Sean Botelho shared the following on Facebook earlier today:
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my stepfather, Sgt. Ronald Briand, who passed away last night at the VA nursing home in Chelsea, Massachusetts, at the age of 86, following a brief respiratory illness. He had also been dealing with the lasting effects of a stroke he suffered several years ago.”
Many of my Facebook friends knew Ron, especially those who had the privilege of working alongside him during his 40 years with the Fall River Police Department.
Ron was an old-school cop in every sense of the word. He was the kind of sergeant who took care of his men. If one of his guys found himself in trouble with administration, Ron was the guy who would put his own ass on the line to stand up for them. He believed in taking care of your people, standing up for your brothers and sisters, and always having their backs. He didn’t just believe in that philosophy—he lived it.
I was incredibly fortunate to have Ron as my stepfather, but even more fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside him at the Fall River Police Department for several years. He was always there for me and always had my back, both as a father figure and as a fellow police officer. That is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
I know many of you who worked with Ron have your own stories, memories, and probably a few good ones that shouldn’t be repeated here. 😂 I’m sure plenty of those stories will be shared in the days ahead.
Ron truly was a product of a different generation of policing—a time when being a cop meant taking care of your people, standing up for what was right, and never leaving your brother or sister behind. That old-school mentality is something you just don’t see much anymore.
But beyond the badge, Ron was so much more. He was a loving husband, father, stepfather, and a great Pepe to all of his grandchildren. They loved him dearly, and he loved them just as much. He will be deeply missed by his family, his brothers and sisters in blue, his friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Rest peacefully, Sarge.
You were a great husband, father, stepfather, Pepe, sergeant, and friend.
Thank you for always having my back. I’ll never forget it.
🖤 Rest in Peace, Sgt. Ronald Briand.
Husband • Father • Stepfather • Pepe • Sergeant • Friend
Arrangements will be announced at a later date.
