David Brake for Nash County Sheriff

Volunteer

Meet David Brake

Discover how David Brake prioritizes visible, community-focused policing in Nash County, investing in local partnerships, training, and accountability to keep neighborhoods safe.

Humbled Beginnings

David Lee Brake Jr. was born on June 26, 1968, in Nash County, where he was also raised. He is the oldest of six boys born to David Lee Brake Sr. and Eliza Ann Brake, both lifelong residents of Nash County.

He attended Swift Creek Elementary School, Benvenue Middle School, Nash Central Middle School, and graduated from Northern Nash Senior High School.

From an early age, David developed a strong work ethic, performing farm work for several local families. At age 16, during summer break, he began working at Joyner Manufacturing Company in Louisburg, North Carolina. After graduating high school, he continued working there full time until enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1987.

In 1996, he married Vivian Battle. He is the proud father of three sons and grandfather of four granddaughters and one grandson. He enjoys working out, fishing, and most importantly, spending quality time with his family.

Military Service

David joined the United States Marine Corps in 1987 and attended basic training at Marine He was stationed in San Diego, California, for Infantry Training School and later deployed to Subic Bay in the Republic of the Philippines. There, he was assigned to Security Forces, maintaining security at entry and exit points for Subic Naval Base. He also conducted jungle patrol operations to ensure the safety and security of military personnel and facilities. During his service overseas, he served as Corporal of the Guard, supervising Marines responsible for base security operations.

In 1989, he returned to the United States and was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, where he later received additional overseas orders.

During his enlistment, he participated in two combat campaigns:

  • Operation Just Cause (1989 – The Invasion of Panama)
  • Operation Desert Shield / Operation Desert Storm (1990–1991 – The Liberation of Kuwait)

Career & Public Service

Following his military service, David began his career in criminal justice as a Correctional Officer at Central Prison in Raleigh, North Carolina. He later served at Nash Correctional Institution in Nashville, NC, and Caledonia Correctional Institution, where he attained the rank of Lieutenant and became a certified Criminal Justice General Instructor before leaving the North Carolina Department of Corrections in 2002.

He then joined the Nash County Sheriff’s Office as a Patrol Deputy. Shortly thereafter, he was assigned to the Criminal Investigative Division in 2003. During his tenure, he successfully investigated numerous cases and played a significant role in resolving and prosecuting major crimes.

Throughout his career, he earned multiple promotions:

  • Promoted to Sergeant, reassigned to Patrol Division
  • Promoted to Lieutenant, reassigned to Criminal Investigative Division
  • Promoted to Captain in 2017, overseeing the Civil Division

As Captain (later Major), he supervised deputies responsible for courthouse security, service of civil process (including executions and evictions), and the processing of pistol purchase permits and concealed carry permits.

Major Brake also earned certifications as:

  • Law Enforcement Driving Instructor
  • Hostage Negotiator
  • Advanced Law Enforcement Certification

He served as Commander of the Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard and managed several community initiatives, including the Sheriff’s Christmas Community Initiative and “Hotdogs for Kids.”

After retiring from the Sheriff’s Office, Major Brake continued his service at UNC Health Nash with Hospital Police and Protective Services, attaining the rank of Lieutenant.

Commitment to Service

Major Brake has always demonstrated a strong belief in and dedication to the citizens and staff under his supervision and management. He excels in leadership, staff supervision, and community engagement. Above all, he maintains a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Nash County and the United States.