Forever Our Foundation
Celebrating the life, and accomplshments of our founders, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Brown
Celebrating the life, and accomplshments of our founders, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Brown
Ralph and Christine have touched the lives of countless individuals. Thanks to their vision, Ralph and Christine paved the way not only for us, but for the security industry.
Not only have their efforts shaped the lives of numerous individuals, their leadership and passion infused into the heart of Lake Norman Security Patrol has protected people, homes, and businesses since 1963.
We honor their memory by dedicating ourselves to providing the same quality service and care LNSP is known for.
Ralph and Christine Brown are sorely missed, and will forever be our foundation.
Ralph Courtney Brown Sr. leaves behind a long-standing legacy defined by leadership, service, and entrepreneurial vision that reflects the true American dream. Born on July 9, 1933, he was raised on his family’s dairy farm, where he learned the principles of agriculture, discipline, and hard work.
These early experiences shaped the values that guided his personal and professional life. During his youth, Mr. Brown was deeply involved in the 4-H Club, where he demonstrated early leadership and commitment to service. He was elected to State Office and, in 1949, earned national recognition as the National 4-H Health King. This honor provided opportunities to travel to Chicago, meet the head of Kellogg Foods, and interact with notable public figures. As a representative of the National 4-H Club, he also traveled to the White House and met President Harry Truman in the Rose Garden. In 1951, Mr. Brown began his studies at North Carolina State University. Soon thereafter, he volunteered for the draft during the Korean War. Following training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, he was stationed in Munich, Germany, where he served as a Military Policeman.
Upon his return, Mr. Brown resumed his education at North Carolina State University while living in Raleigh and working for the FCX Company. His career with FCX led to promotions and assignments in China Grove and Statesville, allowing him to return to and serve local communities.
In early 1963, Mr. Brown recognized a growing need for professional security services at the newly formed Lake Norman. He founded Lake Norman Security Patrol, Inc., which initially operated as a security patrol and later expanded into a full-service provider of 24-hour alarm monitoring services. As the security industry in North Carolina evolved, so did the company, experiencing steady growth.
Mr. Brown’s leadership extended beyond his business. In September of 1977, he was appointed to the Private Protective Services Board for a four-year term, which later led to his appointment to a three-year term on the North Carolina Alarm Licensing Board. That same year, he became the first President of the North Carolina Alarm Association, playing a critical role in shaping professional standards within the industry.
In recognition of his professional achievements, Mr. Brown received numerous honors. In May of 1990, he was named Small Business Person of the Year by the Statesville Chamber of Commerce. In 1999, he was awarded an Honorary Life Membership by the North Carolina Alarm Association at its Annual Meeting. On December 4, 2014, the North Carolina Electronic Security Association presented Mr. Brown with its first Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his outstanding leadership, pioneering influence, and lifelong commitment to mentoring professionals in the security and life safety industry. The award was subsequently named the Ralph Courtney Brown Lifetime Achievement Award and continues to be presented annually.
Following years of dedicated service, Mr. Brown enjoyed retirement pursuits including golf at Diamond Creek, The Dunes Club, Elk River Club, The Floridian, and Harbor Ridge Yacht & Country Club. He was also an avid pilot and spent many hours flying his Cessna 172. One of the most meaningful experiences of his life was traveling around the world with his wife, Christine Freeze Brown, by private jet in 2008, sponsored by National Geographic.
Together, Mr. and Mrs. Brown established the Ralph C. and Christine F. Brown Scholarship at the Bryan School of Business at UNC Greensboro to support academically deserving students in need of financial assistance. His lifelong service also included involvement in First Presbyterian Church as a Sunday School Superintendent and teacher. He was a life member of the North Carolina State Alumni Association and maintained long-standing memberships in Masonic Lodge #690 and Oasis Temple Shriners.
During her early years, Christine graduated from Landis High School and later received her Commercial Certificate from Woman's College at University of North Carolina in Greensboro. She was a strong member of First Presbyterian Church and an organist at Forest Park Presbyterian Church for a number of years. She was also a proud member of the Statesville Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood and served as the North Carolina State president from 1982 through 1983.
Brown was an active community member in various places. She enjoyed spending time ranging from the North Carolina mountains, to the foothills and the Florida coast. She served on the Alumni Board of UNC-Greensboro for three years; the Grandfather Home for Children for seven years; and the board of Cannon Memorial Hospital.
Christine had a full life filled with memories most can only dream about, including traveling the world with her husband and developing a scholarship fund for young
business professionals. She loved the company of her bridge group and
enjoyed golfing with her husband and friends even more.
