In Memory of Police Officer Brandon Ard

Alabama officials were devastated to announce to residents the loss of a local veteran police officer who fell victim to the COVID19 pandemic. Police Officer Brandon Ard, badge number 133, passed away due to complications of the virus on Thursday, August 26, 2021. He was 50 years old.

Officer Ard had committed his life to one of civil service. He first chose to serve his country by joining the military. He was a veteran of the US Navy. Upon his discharge from service, he sought out employment in continued civil service. He joined the Orange Beach Police Department in Alabama and had been an asset to that community and agency for more than 16 years. Overall, Ard had more than 24 years of experience in law enforcement.

Orange Beach Police Department, Alabama

Officer Brandon Ard served for 16 ½ years with the Orange Beach Police Department. The department’s patrol cars emblazon the message they are “Protecting Paradise.” The agency is a fully accredited law enforcement department and the primary law for the city of Orange Beach, Alabama. Officers with the department back their mission statement: “To serve and protect paradise with unparalleled integrity, professionalism, and respect for the entire Orange Beach community.”

The agency employs approximately 80 full-time employees and organizes its division into four categories, the Patrol Division, the Investigative Division, the Intelligence Division, and the Support Services Division. The department considers itself a progressive law enforcement agency that uses the latest technology and intelligence to enhance community protection better.

Remembrances

Police Officer Brandon Ard leaves behind his two daughters. He also had other extended family, friends, and neighbors with who he had been a large part of their lives. His colleagues were like family, and the loss felt across the department is deep. Many other law enforcement agencies and residents will gather to support the family and honor the sacrifice made by Officer Ard.

The Orange Beach Police Department posted the sad news on their social media pages to inform residents of the loss. “Brandon Ard, OBPD officer, passed away this morning. The City of Orange Beach extends our deepest sympathies during this time to the many family, friends, loved ones, and co-workers. Brandon served 16.5 years with the Orange Beach Police Department and just turned 50 years old. We ask for your prayers of comfort for his loved ones and friends at this time. Rest in peace, brother; we got your six.”

Nearby Robertsdale Police Department shared in the grief and loss of a colleague. “The members of the Robertsdale Police Department would like to convey our deepest condolences for the loss of Officer Brandon Ard. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Ard Family and the Orange Beach Police Department. If there is anything you need during this difficult time, please do not hesitate to reach out to your law enforcement family. We are here to support you emotionally, spiritually, and physically.”

The City of Orange Beach Fire Department held a group prayer service over the patrol car of Officer Ard to show support and pray for his family. “The 2021 Recruit class took a moment today to pray over the vehicle of Officer Brandon Ard, who passed away yesterday. Many prayers are going up for the Ard family as they continue to process Brandon’s loss.”