University of North Texas 
Captain David Owen
Born: December 19, 1979 End of Watch: February 11, 2020
Capt. David Owen selflessly served the UNT community from June 2005 up until losing a hard-fought battle with cancer in February 2020. Before coming to UNT, Capt. Owen was a Sheriff’s Deputy in Titus County (Texas). During his time at the UNT Police Dept. he was a patrol officer, investigator, oversaw police accreditation and other administrative functions, and in 2016 ultimately rose to the rank of captain over field services, which consisted of patrol operations and special events planning.
Capt. Owen had a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and political science from Midwestern State University and a graduate certificate in criminal justice education from the University of Virginia. Capt. Owen had attended several leadership training programs including the IACLEA’s Executive Development Institute and ILEA’s 100th School of Police Supervision. Capt. Owen also completed the 270th session of the FBI National Academy, the first member of the UNTPD to do so.
Capt. Owen was a certified TCOLE Master Peace Officer and Police Instructor. He served on UNT’s Student Support Task Force, earned a Police Commendation and the Excellence in Public Service award, as well as had been recognized by MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). Capt. Owen remains greatly missed by his co-workers, family, and campus friends.
Communications Supervisor Joel Brown
Born: March 14, 1981 End of Watch: January 16, 2018
Communications Supervisor Joel Brown was a dedicated employee of the UNT family from 2001 to 2018. Joel fought a tough, year-long battle with non-small cell lung cancer and passed away on January 16, 2018. Joel was born in Dallas on March 14, 1981, and grew up in the area. He attended Newman Smith High School in Carrollton and attended the University of North Texas where he received his B.A. in Philosophy and worked at the UNT Police Department while earning his M.B.A.
Joel began his work with UNT as a security officer in the parking office. He loved soccer, reading, his church and mostly, his family. Joel married his college sweetheart Melinda in 2003. They were blessed with 3 children, Daniel, Anya, and Elijah.
Joel served the UNT Police Department for 16 years and in those years received many prestigious awards which included Civilian Employee of the Year and 9-1-1 Silent Hero awards. He held a lifetime membership to Beta Gamma Sigma and was active in the Boy Scouts of America.
Joel was a loyal employee of the UNT Police Department and always willing to take on any task that was asked of him. The department’s Joel Brown Customer Service Award is named in his honor. Joel will never be forgotten and is missed by his UNT family & friends.