Ronald Briand Obituary, Death – Fall River Police Sergeant Remembered as “Sarge”
The family, friends, former colleagues, and loved ones of Sgt. Ronald Briand, affectionately known as “Sarge,” are mourning his passing at the age of 86.
Ronald died at the VA nursing home in Chelsea, Massachusetts, following a brief respiratory illness. He had also been living with the effects of a stroke he suffered several years ago.
His death marks the loss of a man who dedicated 40 years to the Fall River Police Department, where he was remembered as an old-school sergeant who believed deeply in looking after the officers who worked alongside him.
Remembering Sgt. Ronald Briand
To the officers who knew Ron, he was more than a supervisor. He was someone they could depend on when things became difficult.
He was remembered as the kind of sergeant who stood up for his officers and was willing to put himself on the line to support members of his team. His philosophy was simple: take care of your people and always have their backs.
That loyalty earned him the respect of many officers who had the privilege of working alongside him during his long career.
For those who served with Ron at the Fall River Police Department, his passing will undoubtedly bring back memories of their years together, including the stories, experiences, challenges, and lighter moments that became part of their shared history.
A Career of 40 Years in Law Enforcement
Ronald Briand dedicated four decades of his life to the Fall River Police Department.
His career represented a different era of policing, one in which loyalty, camaraderie, and standing together were central to the relationships between officers.
Those who knew him described him as a product of that old-school generation of police officers. He believed strongly in supporting his fellow officers and making sure they knew someone was willing to stand beside them when they needed help.
His influence extended beyond his official responsibilities as a sergeant, leaving an impression on the officers and colleagues who worked with him throughout the years.
A Stepfather Who Always Had His Family’s Back
Ron was also a beloved stepfather, and for his family, his role went far beyond his career in law enforcement.
His stepson was fortunate enough to not only have Ron as a father figure but also to work alongside him at the Fall River Police Department for several years.
That shared experience created a unique bond between them. Ron was remembered as someone who was always there and always had his stepchild’s back, both as a family member and as a fellow police officer.
His support and guidance will remain among the memories his family holds closest.
A Beloved Pepe
Beyond the badge and the police department, Ron was a cherished Pepe to his grandchildren.
His grandchildren loved him dearly, and he returned that love wholeheartedly. For them, he was not simply a retired police sergeant but a grandfather whose presence brought love and special memories into their lives.
His death leaves a painful absence for his grandchildren, as well as for his wife, children, stepchildren, extended family, and friends.
Family, Friends and Former Colleagues Mourn
Ronald’s passing has brought together people from different chapters of his life.
Former police colleagues remember the sergeant who stood by his officers. His family remembers the husband, father, stepfather, and grandfather who cared deeply for those he loved.
Friends will remember his personality, loyalty, humor, and the countless stories accumulated throughout a long and meaningful life.
For those who knew him, there will undoubtedly be many memories to share in the days ahead.
Ronald Briand’s Cause of Death
Ronald Briand passed away following a brief respiratory illness, according to the family tribute. He had also been dealing with the lasting effects of a stroke suffered several years earlier.
He died at the VA nursing home in Chelsea, Massachusetts, at the age of 86.
A Lasting Legacy
Ronald Briand leaves behind a legacy built around service, loyalty, family, and friendship.
For 40 years, he served the Fall River Police Department and became the kind of sergeant his fellow officers knew would stand beside them.
For his family, he was a husband, father, stepfather, and beloved Pepe.
His legacy will live on through the officers he supported, the family he loved, and the memories shared by everyone fortunate enough to have known him.
Rest peacefully, Sarge. You were a great husband, father, stepfather, Pepe, sergeant, and friend. Your dedication, loyalty, and willingness to always have someone’s back will not be forgotten.
May Sgt. Ronald Briand rest in peace, and may his family, grandchildren, former colleagues, friends, and everyone who knew him find comfort in the memories of his remarkable life and 40 years of service.