Sgt. Alton Dale Berrian

Alton "Dale" Berrian, 56, passed away on May 16, 2025. He was born on June 17, 1968, in Pensacola, Florida and remained as a life-long resident. Dale was a devoted husband, father, uncle, and grandfather known by his grandkids as "Pappy" and "Dodo."
Dale is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Jane Berrian; four children, Brooke Daniels (James), Josh Betsworth, Megan Berrian, and Aiden Berrian; ten grandchildren, MacKenzie, Jameson, C.J., Jaylen, Zae, Zeek, Josiah, Silas, Maxxy, and Cassiel; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and even many honorary family members.
Dale was a family man. He enjoyed having a nice cup of coffee while sitting around and enjoying conversations with family and friends. There was not a coffee cup Dale did not own. The overflowing mountain of coffee cups at his home was proof of that. Dale loved spending time with his grandkids and playing games with them for hours at a time. If one of his kids needed help, Dale would drop everything to help them, regardless of how small or large the tasks were or even the time of day. It may not have been known to everyone, but Dale had a soft spot for his pets and loved them just like family. Shadow, his Keeshond dog, and Tiny, his rescued cat, met Dale at heaven's gates to greet him.
Throughout Dale's life, he held many honorable roles, all of which served others. Simply put, Dale was a lifelong public servant. Dale was a Tow Truck driver with Tatum's Towing; Parking Enforcement Specialist with the Escambia County Sheriff's Office; Correctional Officer with the Escambia County Sheriff's Office; and a volunteer firefighter with Escambia County Fire & Rescue, serving the community out of Myrtle Grove Fire Department and moving through the ranks up to Captain.
For the past 21 years, Dale proudly served until his death as a Sergeant with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office. Sergeant Berrian served the people of Santa Rosa County with unwavering dedication. He was a steady presence in the Patrol Division and faithfully led the agency's Chaplain Unit, offering strength, compassion, and spiritual support to fellow deputies and community members during their most difficult moments.
Sergeant Berrian was more than a respected law enforcement officer - he was a servant leader, a firefighter, a mentor, and a devoted husband and father. His life was defined by quiet courage, integrity, and a commitment to others that extended far beyond the badge.
To those who knew him, he was someone you could count on - calm under pressure, deeply loyal, and grounded in faith. As a man of strong personal belief, he lived out his values every day, reminding everyone what it means to serve with both strength and grace.
The family greatly appreciates the outpouring of love and support from the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to each member of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office during this difficult time. In addition, the family wants to thank the Pensacola Police Department, Lifeguard Ambulance Services, Gulf Breeze Police Department, Escambia County Sheriff's Office, Florida Highway Patrol and all other local and state agencies who have offered support. The family could not do this without the love, support, and assistance from our great communities. Thank you to each person who has kept our family and our first responders in your thoughts and prayers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you to make a monetary donation to one of the organizations linked below.