Our hearts are shattered. We continue to hold the families in our thoughts and prayers.
Brandon Ard was a man of God who dedicated half of his life to law enforcement. He spent the past 16.5 years at the Orange Beach Police Department, serving and protecting the very community he lived in with his partner, Elaina Ritenburgh, and her kids which she and Brandon raised together. Brandon absolutely loved his job. He loved meeting new people and making them smile. Whether Brandon was in uniform or not, if anyone needed help, he was always right there, willing to do whatever was needed of him. Within his community, Brandon was also well-known for his countless wildlife rescues.
We lost Brandon to COVID-19, a greater risk for all first responders in the world we live in today. For all of you who knew Brandon, you know how much of a fighter he was. He fought with everything he had until the very end. Sadly, the end came far too soon for him. He was only 50 years old.
Having served in law enforcement for nearly 25 years, it is now Elaina who needs help from the community. Brandon was the head of the household for their family. So that you know exactly what your generous donations will be used for, Elaina is in need of assistance paying living expenses and medical expenses the family has incurred. Additionally, Elaina suffered a very bad injury upon receiving the devastating news of Brandon’s drastic decline. Due to the extent of her injuries, she’ll need at least three surgeries to reconstruct her nasal cavity.
Brandon was not only an amazing person loved by so many, but also a great partner and soulmate, father, son and brother. He brightened the lives of so many people, whether near or far, with his sense of humor, kind heart, selfless acts and infectious smile.
Elaina's family that was left behind was not at all prepared for the financial burden that began the day Brandon was admitted into the hospital. The family's only hope was to be diligent in prayer for Brandon's recovery and pray for the day they could bring him home. Elaina, along with his mother, spent Brandon's 50th birthday in the ICU at his bedside.
Please join me in supporting his family the same way Brandon put on his uniform, gun belt and badge every day to serve and protect his community. Brandon’s unexpected passing left Elaina in an unimaginable position. As a way to show our love and appreciation for Brandon and his family, this fund has been set up and goes directly to Elaina and her children.
