“The ferocity with which Deputy Ward pursued his life and the determination he had to be the best was often tempered by remarkable patience and caring in helping those around him. The quality of his person and the character he portrayed is rare. Deputy Ward was a reflection of all of the best qualities of the community in which he lived and an outstanding representative of the community in which he worked. He had an extraordinary ability to bring both of these communities together into every other aspect of his life. He was destined to accomplish great things.” (Sheriff Randal J. Belmont, July 9, 2004)
Today, Deputy Ward’s legacy is carried on through his two children, Haylea (23) and Mitchell (19). Haylea shares her father’s traits of determination, patience and caring. After completing her Bachelor’s Degree from Brockport, Haylea found her calling and is currently an elementary school teacher in the Rochester City School District. Like Derek, being the best came naturally to Mitch, breaking many school soccer records and helping his team win a State soccer championship, all while earning Valedictorian honors in high school. Mitchell is now a sophomore at Rivier University studying Homeland Security and continuing his soccer career.
Through Haylea and Mitchell, Deputy Ward’s commitment to his community and his desire to make people better around him will live on for the next generation. We know how proud Deputy Sheriff Derek P. Ward would be of his two exceptional children.
