Recognition sought for security guard murdered while on duty 46 years ago
Oakland MI May 4 2020 When Ken Casida isn’t selling real estate or working part-time in law enforcement in Oakland County, he takes some time to indulge in one of his favorite hobbies — local history.
Not long ago, he was thumbing through decades-old editions of The Daily Tribune, when a particular crime story caught his eye.
The story detailed the murder of James C. Browning, a 29-year-old security officer who was murdered on May 1, 1974 while working at the former Northland Shopping Center in Southfield. Casida then checked out the Officer Down Memorial Page — a nonprofit organization that honors members of law enforcement killed in the line of duty — and was disappointed that Browning’s name wasn’t included.
Casida would like to see that changed, believing that Browning’s ultimate sacrifice deserves the same recognition as others in law enforcement who died while protecting others.
“As a member of law enforcement myself, it hits home. Though his title was ‘security officer’, he still gave his life. And he hasn’t gotten the attention he deserves,” Casida said.
Casida was a toddler when Browning was killed, and said he’s no relation to the slain officer, and never met him or his family. But he’s hoping that spreading the word will lead to the change he’s seeking, He said he also reached out to Oakland County Commissioner Nancy Quarles, who he’s hoping can possibly get Browning some kind of public acknowledgement.
“This just has been tugging at me, and I figured if I didn’t try to do something, no one would. He’s been gone now for 46 years, probably forgotten,” Casida said. “But I think it’s a story worth telling — and maybe it will spark some interest for this..”
According to the Tribune story, Browning was shot in the heart after approaching a suspicious vehicle in the mall’s parking lot. He was dead on arrival at Providence Hospital in Southfield. Browning was married and had lived in Taylor.
Oakland Press
