Commander Byrd Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Commander Byrd, 50, a 25-year police department veteran who oversaw SWAT, Bomb Squad, Emergency Contingency and Marine Operations, suffered a heart attack at his home Monday while preparing to come to work. He was rushed to TriStar NorthCrest Medical Center, the closest hospital to his home, before being transferred to Centennial.
"Scott was a close friend to many and was an outstanding person and police officer," Chief Drake said. "Nashville is safer because of Scott's quarter century with us. He exuded a calm command presence, was thoughtful and deliberate in his decision making, and was an incredible person to be around. Those of us who knew Scott thank God for his friendship and the opportunity to have worked with him."
Commander Byrd joined the MNPD on January 16, 2000, and graduated from the academy in June of that year. He was promoted to sergeant in December 2008, to lieutenant in March 2013, and to captain in November 2019. He was appointed commander in December 2020.
Commander Byrd's many assignments during his MNPD career included Director of Training, Executive Officer in the Community Services Bureau, and the first leader of the School Safety Division. He also served as the incident commander during the active shooter response to Covenant School in 2023. He held Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Cumberland University.
Commander Byrd is survived by his loving wife, April, and three children.
Spring Hill Funeral Home is handling the arrangements, details of which are pending.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
From the Staff of Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery.
November 14, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
5110 Gallatin Pike S, Nashville, TN 37216
Make a Donation
in Commander Byrd's name
People and places connected with Commander
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Commander's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Commander Byrd's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
