San Bernardino County Sheriff's Sergeant and Union President Dies of Cancer

Sgt. Grant Ward, who led the Sheriff's Employees' Benefits Association, passed away after a long battle with the disease.

Published on Feb. 1, 2026

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Sgt. Grant Ward, a sergeant with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and the president of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Employees' Benefits Association (SEBA), has died after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Ward, who was surrounded by his family including his wife and two daughters when he passed away, was praised by Sheriff Shannon Dicus for his positive spirit, servant leadership, and dedication to his fellow employees.

Why it matters

Sgt. Ward's death is a significant loss for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and the local law enforcement community. As union president, he was a strong advocate for his fellow officers and employees, treating them like family. His passing highlights the human toll that cancer can take, even on those in public service roles.

The details

According to the Sheriff's Department, Sgt. Ward died on Sunday, February 1st, 2026 after a long and difficult battle with cancer. Despite the challenges of his illness, the department said Ward's 'spirit never wavered' and that he 'faced each challenge with faith and determination.' Sheriff Shannon Dicus praised Ward as the 'epitome of servant leadership' who 'put others first' and 'lifted the people around him.'

  • Sgt. Grant Ward died on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

The players

Sgt. Grant Ward

A sergeant with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department who also served as the president of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Employees' Benefits Association (SEBA). He passed away after a long battle with cancer.

Sheriff Shannon Dicus

The sheriff of San Bernardino County who praised Sgt. Ward as the 'epitome of servant leadership' who 'put others first' and 'lifted the people around him.'

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Employees' Benefits Association (SEBA)

The union that Sgt. Ward served as president of, which said he was a 'dedicated sergeant, husband, father and president, who advocated for his fellow employees and treated them like family.'

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What they’re saying

“Even during the most difficult treatments, Grant's spirit never wavered. He faced each challenge with faith and determination, reminding us all that laughter can bring light to even the darkest days.”

— San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department (X)

“He put others first, lifting the people around him and spreading joy everywhere he went.”

— Sheriff Shannon Dicus (X)

The takeaway

Sgt. Grant Ward's passing is a tragic loss for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and the local community he served. His dedication to his fellow officers, positive attitude in the face of adversity, and commitment to servant leadership serve as an inspiration to all who knew him.