Heidi Browning takes security very seriously. She makes sure that every person on the PCOM South Georgia campus follows safety protocols and that the campus is ready for any emergency scenario. 

Her work at PCOM South Georgia is the continuation of a law enforcement career that started in 2008, but her interest in law enforcement began long before then.

“Law enforcement runs in my family,” Browning said. “My dad actually was a police officer in the Air Force. Then he retired and worked for Lowndes County Sheriff's Office, so I've always wanted to be in law enforcement for as long as I can remember.” 

Both of Browning’s older brothers followed in their father’s footsteps. Her oldest brother worked for the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. Her middle brother has worked for a couple of different law enforcement agencies. 

“We have a whole family of law enforcement officers,” Browning said. “Working in law enforcement has always been my dream job.” 

After earning her high school degree, she graduated from the police academy at ABAC (Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College) in Tifton. 

“Back when I started in 2008, you didn't have to have a degree, and I never had the drive to go to college because all I wanted to do is be a cop,” Browning said. “I knew all I had to do was go to the police academy, and that was 11 weeks. That's what got me into law enforcement.”

She began her career with the Valdosta State University Police Department, where she remained for 14 years working her way through the ranks. Browning was a sergeant when she left to join PCOM South Georgia.

A lifelong Valdosta resident, she heard PCOM South Georgia was looking for an assistant director of public safety. Browning did some research on PCOM in general and the Moultrie location before deciding to apply for the position.

“It seemed like a family community environment, which I love,” she said. “I wanted something that was a little different from what I was doing prior. This was a new experience, and I wanted an adventure.”

Browning stepped into the role in February 2022.

She later changed her mind about the need for a degree. She’s currently pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Valdosta State University, but she still has time for a few hobbies.

“In the summertime, I love kayaking,” Browning said. “That is my stress reliever.”

She especially enjoys kayaking down the Suwannee and Santa Fe rivers.

“That's where my papa actually used to live,” Browning said. “We used to go tubing down the river. When I go there kayaking, it reminds me of him. It brings back memories.” 

She also enjoys spending time with her five dogs, all Labrador retrievers, and 16 black angus cows.

“My husband tells me not to name them,” Browning said about the cows. “They're like big pets.”

Browning and her husband, Michael, married six years ago. The two met while both worked at the VSU Police Department. He often assists when she teaches a women’s self-defense class, which both are certified to teach. Michael plays the perpetrator for demonstrations.

“I love getting the information out there, but then it's also fun that I still get to do something with my husband,” she said. “We get to work together and teach a class. It gives women empowerment, which is the whole point of the class.” 

Browning teaches the women’s self-defense workshop at both the PCOM South Georgia and PCOM Georgia campuses. She’s certified and teaches workshops for civilian response to an active shooter. Browning recently became certified to teach CPR, first aid and AED, so she’ll begin teaching workshops on those topics in the near future.