BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WPMI) -- The Baldwin County Sheriff's deputy injured in a shootout that killed a fellow deputy Friday night, has been upgraded from serious to fair condition, hospital officials said Sunday afternoon. Officials said the deputy, who has not been identified, is still likely face additional surgeries.
The hospitalized deputy and two other deputies responded to the home in the 11800 block of Mallard Lane after a complaint from relatives of Michael Jansen being aggressive. As the deputies attempted to talk to Jansen on the porch, he pulled out a handgun and started shooting. Scott Ward, 47, was hit multiple times, Sheriff Huey Mack said.
Both deputies were flown to USA Medical Center. The second deputy was undergoing surgery Friday night. The third deputy was not injured.
Ward died at the hospital, Mack said. "We're the largest law enforcement agency in Baldwin County, but still small enough that everybody is very close," Mack said, "I have personally worked with [Ward] the majority of my career, I knew him very well; I'm very proud of him, it's a big loss," Mack said fighting back tears.
"These guys have a job to do, we're going to do our job; this is an extremely tough situation we're going through, but we're going to work through it and ask you to pray for our deputies at this time," Maj. Anthony Lowery told reporters near the shooting scene.
Jansen was pronounced dead at the scene. "We're very saddened, it's hit us hard; both of them were seasoned veterans," Mack said "I've worked with him for his entire career with the BCSO and thought a lot of him; he was an outstanding deputy sheriff."
People who knew Ward described him as a good family man who cared deeply for the community he patrolled. "Like all the officers, we get to know them in this community over the years, everyone is family in the area and whatever happens affects each and every one of us around here," Linda Aney said, "Even if we don't know them on a personal basis, we know them, [they are] part of our community."
"He loved life, he never stood still, he was always wanting to help somebody," Don Ming added.
On the
Officer Down Memorial Page , more than 100 notes of condolence have been left by law enforcement personnel across the country. "Your service and sacrifice and bravery to the citizens of Baldwin County Alabama will not be forgotten," an officer with the Alexandria, Kentucky Police Department.
More than 3,000 people have 'liked' the
Remembering Deputy Scott Ward Facebook page to leave their thoughts and prayers for the Ward family as well as the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office. Alabama Governor Robert Bentley also commented on the tragedy Saturday morning, posting to Twitter, "I am saddened by the death of Baldwin County Deputy Scott Ward and offer condolences to his family and prayers for his injured colleague."
Law enforcement officers from all over the area continued to visit USA while the deputy recovered to comfort one another. "We know everybody personally, know their wives, their husbands, their spouses their children and so, it does hit hard because this is a close knit unit," Mack said.
Saturday afternoon, investigators continued to block an access road to the crime scene. The Baldwin County Major Crimes Task Force is leading the investigation. An internal investigation is also ongoing, Mack said, which is normal procedure during any shooting involving deputies.
