Adam Edwin Fernand, 51, of New Fairfield, who loved his family abundantly, served the City of Danbury unselfishly, and earned the highest levels of respect and admiration from those who were blessed to know him, died unexpectedly December 1 at Yale New Haven Hospital, following a brief illness. He was the son of Dr Edwin Fernand and stepson of Linda Fernand of New Milford.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Valerie Sforza Fernand; siblings Mark Fernand of Newtown, Lori Fernand, and husband Michael, of Simsbury, Greg Fernand, and his wife Mary, of New Fairfield, Michael Fernand, and his wife Susan, of Brookfield, and Amy Fernand Boulton, and her husband Wayne, of West Hartford; his children, Ava, 15, and Kyle, 14, of New Fairfield; stepsister Debbie Finan, and her husband William, of Westport; stepbrothers Greg Straiton of Brookfield and Brian Straiton, and his wife Eileen, of Brookfield; and many other in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends who are devastated by his passing and will sorely miss him. His mother, Patricia Molloy Fernand, predeceased Mr Fernand.

Mr Fernand’s distinguished career as a Danbury police officer lasted 29 years, rising from the rank of rookie officer at age 21 to detective sergeant, retiring in July 2014. During his tenure on the police force, he was team leader of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team, as well as part of the Tactical Narcotics Team. He was the recipient of numerous awards and citations as he served the city.

Mr Fernand and his family were members of St Edward the Confessor Church in New Fairfield.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, December 5, at 10 am, at St Edward the Confessor Church, 21 Brush Hill Road, New Fairfield. The family will receive friends Friday, December 4, from 4 to 8 pm, at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Fernand Family Fund, at https://pages.giveforward.com/medical/page-hml3wc3/.