Memorial held for deputy killed in line of duty

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WALA) - Hundreds turned out on Tuesday to pay their last respects to a fallen Baldwin County Sheriff's deputy who was killed in the line of duty.

It was a tearful scene as Deputy Scott Ward was laid to rest.

Deputy Ward is survived by his wife and mother.

Ward was an 18-year law enforcement veteran, an Air Force veteran and a Coast Guardsman.  He served 15 years on the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office. In that time, Sheriff Huey "Hoss" Mack said they became close friends. Mack agreed with a speaker that said the deputy was born to serve.

"He was born on a military base. He joined the Air Force like his father. Went immediately into the Air Force after graduation from High School. From the Air Force to the Prichard Police Department, to the Baldwin County Sheriff's Department, and also joined the United States Coast Guard Reserve," Sheriff Mack said.

There was standing room only at the Fairhope Civic Center Tuesday morning, and an overflow of mourners couldn't get inside. Everyone was there to support the family, and pay their respects to Ward.

Law enforcement members from across the region were present to honor a fallen brother, as well as many others who wanted to show their appreciation for Ward's sacrifice.

"I thought it was just beautiful and just very commending to Scott," Carol Prichett said.

"He was very quiet, in the background. He always took car of people. He was a very caring person. He loved people, and he wanted the best for them," Wade Smith said.

John Prichett is related to Ward's wife. He said Ward was always special.

"If you go into police work or military work you have to have a special feel for it, and you don't just get that, it's given to you when you're born to be in public service," Prichett said.

During the service, a letter of memory and commendation was presented from Governor Robert Bentley. It was read by Spencer Collier, the Alabama Director of Homeland Security, and a friend of Ward's.

Ward was fatally wounded while he responded to a disturbance at the Marlow home of Michael Jansen. Jansen was killed in the shootout, and Deputy Curtis Summerlin was also shot.

Summerlin is recovering at USA Medical Center in Mobile.