On Friday, law enforcement officers and first responders from across Schuylkill County gathered to pay tribute to the life of Stanley P. Brozana Jr., a revered figure who served as the Chief of Police in Orwigsburg for 37 years.
The celebration of life took place at the Orwigsburg Memorial, a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to protecting and serving the community.
Stanley Brozana Jr. passed away at the age of 72 on Wednesday, Nov. 28, at his home, succumbing to brain tumors caused by melanoma.
Stanley Brozana Jr. passed away at the age of 72 on Wednesday, Nov. 28, at his home, succumbing to brain tumors caused by melanoma.
A procession, marked by the participation of over a dozen first responders, underscored the respect and admiration his colleagues held for him.
Born in 1951, Brozana's journey into law enforcement was unconventional. After graduating from Blue Mountain High School in 1969, where he was a respected member of the FFA, he initially pursued a career in landscaping. However, fate had different plans for him when an unrelated injury resulted in the loss of his leg. Undeterred, Brozana received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army Reserves and answered the call to serve in a different capacity.
Selected by the borough council, he attended the Pennsylvania State Police Academy, earning distinction even with a prosthesis. "Sometimes you come in at a disadvantage, and if it’s worth it, you’ll work hard and be even more valuable for the work you put in," he remarked.
Known affectionately as "Chief" or "Stan the Man," Brozana dedicated 40 years of his life to the police force, with 37 years as the Orwigsburg Police Chief. He transformed adversity into strength, leaving an indelible mark on the community. Early in his career, he constructed the Orwigsburg Police shooting range, a testament to his commitment to training and excellence.
Outside of law enforcement, Brozana's passions included target shooting, reloading, and collecting and fixing antique working tractors. He found joy in simple pleasures like mowing the lawn and believed in the adage, "you never work a day in your life if you love what you do."
In retirement, he extended his family, adopting as adults individuals who became as dear to him as his biological relatives. His surviving family includes his daughter, Amanda Brozana Rios, nieces Michelle Brozana Zimmerman and Cassandra Brozana Kline, and others who became part of his extended family.
Born in 1951, Brozana's journey into law enforcement was unconventional. After graduating from Blue Mountain High School in 1969, where he was a respected member of the FFA, he initially pursued a career in landscaping. However, fate had different plans for him when an unrelated injury resulted in the loss of his leg. Undeterred, Brozana received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army Reserves and answered the call to serve in a different capacity.
Selected by the borough council, he attended the Pennsylvania State Police Academy, earning distinction even with a prosthesis. "Sometimes you come in at a disadvantage, and if it’s worth it, you’ll work hard and be even more valuable for the work you put in," he remarked.
Known affectionately as "Chief" or "Stan the Man," Brozana dedicated 40 years of his life to the police force, with 37 years as the Orwigsburg Police Chief. He transformed adversity into strength, leaving an indelible mark on the community. Early in his career, he constructed the Orwigsburg Police shooting range, a testament to his commitment to training and excellence.
Outside of law enforcement, Brozana's passions included target shooting, reloading, and collecting and fixing antique working tractors. He found joy in simple pleasures like mowing the lawn and believed in the adage, "you never work a day in your life if you love what you do."
In retirement, he extended his family, adopting as adults individuals who became as dear to him as his biological relatives. His surviving family includes his daughter, Amanda Brozana Rios, nieces Michelle Brozana Zimmerman and Cassandra Brozana Kline, and others who became part of his extended family.
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