By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Veteran Baldwin County Deputy Scott Ward was killed in the line of duty by a local man, Michael J. Jansen (53), with a long history of mental illness. A Baldwin County sergeant who was the shift supervisor was also wounded in the shootout. Both he and Deputy Ward were airlifted from the scene to South Alabama Medical Center with multiple gunshot wounds. Deputy Ward died from his wounds. The other officer, whose identity has not yet been released, is reportedly still in critical condition. The perpetrator, Jansen, was killed at the scene.
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley said, “I am saddened by the death of Baldwin County Deputy Scott Ward, who gave his life in the line of duty Friday. Today, I offer condolences and prayers for his family and fellow law enforcement officers. I also pray for the recovery of his injured colleague. Members of law enforcement risk their lives to serve and protect the public, and I am grateful to them for their dedication and service.
Baldwin County Sheriff Huey “Hoss” Mack said, “I want to once again thank everyone for your continued prayers and support for the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office during this difficult time. Deputy Scott Ward was a fine Deputy who served us over 15 years. He was also a member of the US Coast Guard Reserves. We also pray for the recovery of the other injured Deputy.”
Deputy Ward’s wake will be held on Monday, November 26th, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home located at 19698 Greeno Road, Fairhope, Al. 36532.
Deputy Ward’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, November 27th, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Fairhope Civic Center at 161 North Section Street, Fairhope, Al. 36532. Burial will take place at Fairhope Memory Gardens Cemetery. The Sheriff’s Department is asking that law enforcement personnel attending the funeral park at the Colony Cemetery located across the street from the Civic Center. Due to parking limitations, those individuals desiring to go directly to the cemetery may do so.
Sheriff Mack said that you may send notes and cards to Andrea Ward at: Baldwin County Sheriff Office 310 Hand Ave Bay Minette, AL 36507. There will also be an account set up at PNC bank on Monday.
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page on Facebook, Deputy Ward was shot and killed after he and two other deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call involving an emotionally disturbed person in the 11800 block of Mallard Lane shortly after 4:00 pm on Friday.
Jansen’s mother called police after arriving at his Marlow trailer home after she was unable to contact him by phone. Upon her arrival she was unable to calm Jansen down. Jansen’s mother had tried to have him committed to an insane asylum in 2009 and again in 2010. A Baldwin County Probate Judge sent him to Searcy Hospital in Mount Vernon twice in 2010.
The deputies were speaking to Hansen on his front porch when he suddenly pulled a 9 millimeter handgun and opened fire. Deputy Ward and the other deputy were shot before Mr. Hansen was killed by the return fire. All three deputies were wearing their vests. The third officer was not wounded in the shoot-out. All three deputies fired their weapons multiple times as did Hansen.
Deputy Ward was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and had served with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office for 15 years. Before that he had previously served with the Prichard Police Department. Ward was deployed to Afghanistan just last year. He is survived by his wife.
Deputy Ward is the third Alabama law enforcement officer to die in the line of deputy in 2012. Mobile Police Officer Steven Green was stabbed to death by a prisoner in February and reserve Dale County Deputy Don Williams died in an automobile accident. To date 110 law enforcement officers have been killed across the county this year.
A Facebook page has been set up to remember Deputy Scott Ward:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/RememberingDeputyScottWard?fref=ts
