Crossposted from the KCSO Employee newsletter

After 38 years of keeping her cool under pressure, looking out for deputy safety, and making the Communications Center a place people want to be, Operator 72 — Melanie (Mel) Browne — is officially hanging up her headset.

Mel has done it all in her time here: call-taking, dispatching, training, leading — and always making sure the people she worked with felt supported. She’s known for her quick wit, her calm in chaos, and her ability to make even the toughest shifts just a little bit lighter.

But her talents go far beyond the radio waves. Mel pours a meannnn root beer float every year at the Goats n’ Floats fundraiser for the One Heart Wild Animal Sanctuary in Silverdale. She is a decades-long supporter of GLOBE Youth of Snohomish, helping make Snohomish County a safe and nurturing place for LGBTQIA+ youth — and you can still catch her at their annual Sno-homo Bingo.

Mel is the chef of her homestead, famous for smoked salmon, ribs, gumbo, and a spice collection that could rival a gourmet market. She and her wife, Brenda, share their pasture with five goats, two cats, and one bear (the bear just likes the salmon scraps). And now they are ready to travel; Alaska, Badlands National Park, and Mount Rushmore are at the top of their list.

We are celebrating her incredible career at her retirement party on Aug, 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Communications Center (3511 NE 2nd Street, Renton). Come for the hugs and stay for the stories! There’s 38 years’ worth!