Wake held for deputy shot, killed while on duty

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WALA) - Hundreds attended the wake for Baldwin County Deputy Scott Ward on Monday, November 26, in Fairhope.

Lines began to form around the Wolfe Bayview Funeral Home before 5 p.m.

The law enforcement veteran, who served 15-years with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and three years with the Prichard Police Department, was killed during an exchange of gunfire with Michael Jansen.

"It's a huge loss. He was a great deputy,” said Coastguardsman Brett Smith. “(He was a) great Coasty. We lost a great guy.”

"Just total devastation. Couldn't believe it,” said Ward’s longtime neighbor Margaret Mount. “We'd been friends for a long time; and then to find out someone you’re close to has been killed, it’s just devastating.”

Deputy Ward and two other deputies responded to a call of a domestic dispute on Mallard Lane in Fairhope. Jansen was also killed in the shoot out.

Many people who attended the wake said the incident hit close to home.

“I just wanted to be here for the family and offer my support,” said Nina Gordon, who lost her son Mobile Police Officer Brandon Siegler, after he was also gunned down in the line of duty back in 2009.

Officials said they expect law enforcement from across the country to attend Ward’s funeral which will take place Tuesday, November 27, at 10:00 a.m. Fairhope Civic Center.