The Jacksonville City Council approved naming two Jacksonville roads after two influential community members during a recent workshop meeting.

Council first approved designating the school zone on Henderson Drive, adjacent to Northwoods Elementary School, with the honorary name, “Lt. James XY Brown Way.”

Brown retired from the Jacksonville Police Department at the end of 2025 at 98-years-old and was believed to be the longest-serving police officer in the United States with 68 years of service. Before wearing the badge, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, then began working as a civil service truck driver on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in 1948.

Although Brown started full time as an officer with JPD in 1971, he began volunteering with the department in 1957. In 1985, he began his role as a crossing guard at Northwoods Elementary School, where he would cement his legacy for generations to come.

According to city officials, the designation is honorary and will not change the official legal name of Henderson Drive. The total cost to install the commemorative sign is about $2,500.

“Many of us, including myself, have had the opportunity to be protected by Lt. James XY Brown,” said Councilwoman Angelia Washington, who added, “Mr. XY Brown is definitely one to be saluted for his dedication and his service.”

Council also approved designating Recreation Loop “Ken Hagan Commemorative Way” for his more than 45 years to the city as assistant recreation director, recreation director and city manager. During his tenure, he transformed Jacksonville’s parks and recreation system through the expansion of facilities, to include the creation of the Jacksonville Commons, city officials said.

His leadership also extended to major municipal infrastructure improvements and decades of service to the community through youth athletics, civic organizations and public engagement.

Recreation Loop will still remain the official legal street name. The total cost to install the commemorative sign is about $500.

“There’s so much good here in Jacksonville, and to be able to recognize individuals who’ve factored into that, I think we can do a lot more of it, but I’m so glad for Lt. XY James and Mr. Ken Hagan,” said Councilwoman Mickey Smith.