By WCCO reporter Ashley Grams

A Minnesota police detective was honored Wednesday with a special procession ahead of his funeral.

The Forest Lake Police Department says detective Josh Brown died on Monday while off duty.

"He served with dedication and tenacity as a patrol officer and detective during his career," the department wrote in a Facebook post. "Detective Brown will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the whole law enforcement community."

Police Sergeant Jonathan Glader remembers the 41-year-old detective as a friend who was always smiling, and someone he could count on.

"His personality is infectious, he's fun. He's the one that you want to be around," Glader said. "He was the one who was quick to care, quick to help. He was one you could call and whatever was going on in life, he would be there to help you.

Brown also spent several years with the Minnesota National Guard prior to his work as a detective. Army Maj. Andrea Tsuchiya, the guard's state public affairs officer, says Brown achieved the rank of sergeant, deployed overseas and was decorated for his service.

"His awards and decorations included the Army Commendation Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the NATO Medal, and the Combat Action Badge," Tsuchiya said in an email to WCCO. "The Minnesota National Guard wishes to express sympathy and support to Sgt. Brown's family and friends."  

As the community grieves Brown's shocking death, the department also feels his loss.

"He was one of those amazing ones that made this badge something to be proud to wear," Glader said.

The Chisago County Sheriff's Office is investigating Brown's death. A spokesperson says there are no suspicious circumstances and his death likely due to an unexpected medical emergency. An official cause of death has yet to be released by the medical examiner.