As assistant superintendent at the Katy Service Center, John Brown has spent 24 years serving the residents of Precinct 4. But long before the promotions or titles, he was part of the crews directly responsible for keeping roads passable and residents safe.

Built from the ground up

John's perspective is shaped by experience at every level of the job. He began his career learning the fundamentals of the work firsthand. Over time, he advanced through the department, gaining a deep understanding of what it takes to maintain roads, bridges, and rights-of-ways across Precinct 4.

“I’ve been there, so I know what it takes,” John says.” “I may have gotten a new title, but I’m still one of them.”

Now as an assistant superintendent, John supervises a nine-member road and bridge crew at the Katy Service Center. And that knowledge influences how he leads his team — with respect and a willingness to get his hands dirty whenever help is needed.

Public safety starts with infrastructure

No two days look the same for John. His mornings often begin with assigning work orders and coordinating crews. From there, he’s out in the field identifying safety concerns and ensuring residents can travel safely and reliably.

John and his team help maintain 763 road miles and 57 bridges, serving more than one million residents across Precinct 4. Whether it’s clearing clogged ditches, repairing roads, or preparing infrastructure ahead of severe weather, every task is approached with public safety in mind. 

"The most meaningful part of the job is knowing the work we do directly impacts people’s lives,” John says.

That work, and the responsibility that comes with it, became unmistakably clear during Hurricane Harvey.

When the work became rescue

During Hurricane Harvey, John was part of the road and bridge crews responding as conditions rapidly deteriorated across neighborhoods. As roads became impassable and residents were unable to leave their homes, the work shifted beyond routine maintenance.

Using available equipment, including high-water and dump trucks, John and his coworkers helped reach residents and get them to safety. The same tools and machinery used every day to maintain infrastructure became critical resources in a life-saving effort.

“It was heartbreaking,” John says. “I saw people on one of the worst days of their lives.”

That experience stayed with him long after the storm passed. It reinforced not only his commitment to the work, but also his commitment to the people he serves.

In moments like Harvey, leadership is defined by showing up and doing whatever is necessary to protect your community. And for John, that experience solidified a belief that continues to guide his work: infrastructure is public safety.

Heart, hustle, and higher standards

That belief is reinforced by an environment where accountability and teamwork are expected. Under the leadership of Commissioner Lesley Briones, John has seen a renewed focus on doing the work the right way, with excellence and higher standards at the forefront of each assignment.

“I take pride in my work,” John says. “Doing it right isn’t optional because our residents’ safety depends on it.”

That culture reinforces a simple truth: when infrastructure is treated as a public safety priority, communities are safer and better prepared.

The heart of Precinct 4

After more than two decades with Precinct 4, John’s dedication hasn’t faltered. The work has evolved, but the purpose remains the same — ensuring the infrastructure residents rely on every day is dependable.

For John, this isn’t just a career. It’s a responsibility he takes personally and a community he is proud to serve. And through everyday maintenance and moments of crisis alike, he continues to represent Precinct 4 with heart, showing up when it matters most.