Holly MatkinFargo, ND – Carrington Police Department (CPD) Chief Brandon Sola died in an off-duty motorcycle crash on Tuesday.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) said the 36-year-old off-duty police chief was traveling on Interstate 94 westbound just outside of Fargo shortly after 9 p.m. on June 28 when his motorcycle began to wobble for an unknown reason, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead reported.
Chief Sola, who was in town for a training, had just picked his bike up from a repair shop and was out for a ride with his brother when he lost control of the motorcycle and crashed.
The police chief was ejected from the bike during the collision and his motorcycle wound up in the median shoulder of the interstate, KFGO reported.
Chief Sola, who was not wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Air National Guard master sergeant served with the NDHP for six years prior to joining the CPD as a part-time officer, KFGO reported.
He took over at the helm of the five-member department in November of 2021, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead reported.
“He listened to all of us. He listened to everything that we had to say, he took all of our input,” CPD Sergeant Chris Ormiston told the news outlet. “He was a team leader, he showed what it meant to be a team leader. He just had a heart for all of us.”
Chief Sola made it a priority to help beef up his officers’ defensive tactics and to obtain the tools and equipment they needed to help make them safer out on the streets, Sgt. Ormiston said.
“There’s an emptiness…when we walk in the building and he’s not in his office,” CPD Officer Liz Kapp told The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead.
Chief Sola leaves behind his wife of 15 years, Rebecca, as well as his five children, according to a fundraising page established to help his family in the wake of their loss.
Donors have contributed over $11,000 to the effort so far.
Brandon Sola Funeral and Memorial Fund
https://t.co/vopEdrHuXp— Mickey Harmon (@Mick59774505) July 1, 2022
On the evening of Tuesday, June 28, Carrington Police Chief Brandon Sola tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident while off duty.
The Fargo PD extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Chief Sola.
Our hearts are with the community of Carrington. pic.twitter.com/b41ahFk1vB
— Fargo Police (@FargoPolice) July 1, 2022
N.D. Highway Patrol said Brandon Sola, 36, Velva, died from injuries received in a motorcycle crash on Interstate 94. The crash was Tuesday. Sola was chief of police in Carrington and a master sergeant in the N.D. Air National Guard in Fargo. pic.twitter.com/ek401SNRF9
— The Minot Daily News (@MinotDailyNews) June 30, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Carrington Police Department Chief Brandon Sola, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
