ALEXANDRIA, S.D. — When Hanson County Chief Deputy Thomas Brown rolls through the county in his patrol vehicle, it’s more than just another cruiser on duty. Adorned with bold graphics and a prominent “988” — the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Brown’s vehicle is a moving symbol of hope, healing, and a mission to stop the stigma surrounding mental health.
The idea for the 988-themed wrap began with Hanson County Sheriff Brandon Wingert, who was reading an email about mental health awareness earlier this year.
“I thought to myself that it would be a neat idea to have a vehicle with graphics to help spread awareness and help stop the stigma,” Wingert said.
Having seen other law enforcement vehicles across South Dakota wrapped in themes promoting breast cancer awareness, autism, POW-MIA remembrance, or officer recruitment, Wingert realized something was missing: a vehicle dedicated to mental health. That realization prompted him to bring the idea to Deputy Brown.
Brown’s response was immediate and emotional: “Are you serious?” he asked. For Brown, this project wasn’t just another community initiative — it was deeply personal.
Adam Thury / Mitchell Republic
In 2017, while attending the law enforcement academy, Brown received a call that would forever alter the course of his life. His son, Thomas Jr., had attempted suicide. Brown rushed to Kansas City, where his 24-year-old son was on life support. After 11 days without brain activity, the family made the heartbreaking decision to take him off life support. Thomas Jr.’s last breath was on September 22.
The patrol vehicle’s wrap features the number “22” — not only in memory of that day for Brown, but also as a nod to the 22 U.S. veterans who die by suicide each day.
Then, in 2023, Brown suffered another tragedy: his second son, Nicholas, was murdered by a friend. Nicholas had just completed training at the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and was preparing for a career in law enforcement, following in his father’s footsteps.
The back-to-back losses were overwhelming. Brown said he struggled mentally and emotionally, eventually recognizing that he needed professional help.
“I did seek out and got the help that I needed,” Brown said. “It’s okay not to be okay, and it’s okay to go out and get the help that you need.”
With a renewed sense of mission, Brown worked with Sign Pro’s Jeff Terveen to create a custom design for his patrol vehicle. The result is a visually striking car that features the number “988,” the phrase “There is Hope,” and prominently displayed instructions: “Call, text or chat 988.”
The design doesn’t just decorate the car — it delivers a message.
“This is about making people aware of the 988 number,” Brown explained. “There’s hope. There’s resources out there.”
Sheriff Wingert noted that while every vehicle in the department is outfitted with standard law enforcement decals — such as the sheriff’s badge, unit numbers, and other official markings — this marks the first time the county has introduced a patrol car with a custom-designed theme promoting a specific cause. His hope is that it catches people’s attention and gets them talking about mental health.
Adam Thury / Mitchell Republic
The community response has been immediate and powerful. Brown said residents have called the project “the best money the county has ever spent” and have personally expressed appreciation for the message it sends. He added that some community members have reached out to share that the car helped them feel seen and supported in their own mental health struggles.
Brown’s advocacy extends far beyond the driver’s seat. He and his wife have personally funded and distributed more than 1,000 challenge tokens, originally featuring the 1-800 suicide prevention number and now updated with “988.” These tokens, given out during conversations and encounters, serve as tangible reminders that help is available.
One such encounter, Brown recalled, involved a semi-truck driver to whom he gave a token and shared a brief conversation. The man later admitted he had planned to take his own life that day — but the token and that moment changed his mind.
“It’s not that hard to stop and just say hi to somebody and ask how their day’s going,” Brown said.
In addition to his outreach on the road, Brown is working with Emery and Alexandria schools to implement a peer-support initiative called “Hope,” funded through 988. The program empowers students to form support committees where peers can talk openly about bullying, stress, and other challenges — ideally addressing problems before they escalate to crisis.
As far as Brown is aware, his vehicle is the only patrol car in South Dakota specifically wrapped to promote mental health and suicide prevention, but his efforts may have started a broader trend. Since he introduced the design, the 988 organization has begun distributing ribbons and decals for law enforcement agencies across the state.
Brown hopes his example encourages not only public awareness but also a cultural shift within law enforcement — one where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength.
“There’s this fear that if you say something, you’ll lose your job,” he said. “I want them to know — you won’t. You can get help and still wear the badge.”
For Deputy Brown, every mile he drives in his 988-wrapped vehicle is a tribute to his son and a lifeline for others.
“Even if it just helps one person,” Brown said, “then it’s worth it.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: September is Suicide Prevention Month. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, the 988 hotline offers mental health support and suicide crisis services through the Helpline Center in collaboration with the South Dakota Department of Social Services.
Jennifer Leither joined the Mitchell Republic in April 2024. She was raised in Sioux Falls, S.D. where she attended Lincoln High School. She continued her education at South Dakota State University, graduating in December 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. During her time in college, Leither worked as a reporter for the campus newpaper, The Collegian. She also interned for Anderson Publications in Canistota, SD the summer of 2000. Upon graduation, Leither continued to reside in the Sioux Falls area and worked as a freelance writer for the Argus Leader for a number of years.
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