Cambridge Police Commissioner Soars With Eagles

CAMBRIDGE, MA — Branville Bard has taken his share of grief since moving to Boston last August. Being a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan in a town that plans for Super Bowl parades isn't easy. And this week? It's getting tougher for the Cambridge Police Commissioner.

"I've been getting ripped, playfully, since I started in August. And actually even before I started there was a lot of playful banter and it continued after I was hired," said Bard. "I don't see it stopping and it's been ramped up since it's been finalized the Eagles will be playing the Patriots in the Super Bowl. But it's been good-natured, back-'n-forth bantering and its actually been fun."

No one should be surprised Bard, 47, roots for the enemy. Born in Philadelphia, Bard graduated from Murrell Dobbins High School in North Philly. He attended Community College in Philadelphia and Alvernia University as an undergrad and earned masters degrees from St. Joseph's in Philadelphia and Valdosta State in Georgia.

His sporting heart may still be in Philly but that doesn't mean his home is painted Midnight Green with silver trim. Alicia, his wife of nine years, wouldn't allow that. Afterall, she's from New Orleans.

"I live in a divided household," said Bard. "She's a Saints fan first and then an Eagles fan second. When the Eagles play the Saints we do that watching in separate rooms."

What about Bard's three children? Eagles? Saints, or maybe even Patriots fans?

"My children are Eagles fans," said the proud father. "Ya, they were raised properly."

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Like all passionate fans, Bard has his collection of memorabilia. And just because his house isn't painted the official Eagles colors doesn't mean he's without a special place inside, even if it's in the basement.

"I do have some office space carved out in my basement and she kinda lets me do what I want with that," said Bard of Alicia. "I do have an 8-year-old who has taken over the house, who has things in every room, but as far as me I get that little corner office space in the basement."

This week there's less in the basement and more at his office on Sixth Street. Maybe you've seen the pictures on Twitter, with both Reggie White and Randall Cunningham jerseys proudly hanging up. He could bring more. At home are jerseys of Terrell Owens, Brian Westbrook, and Brian Dawkins. Clearly he's no bandwagon fan.

Bard hasn't seen the Eagles play at Gillette Stadium but he was at the 2004 Super Bowl when the Patriots beat Philly, 24-21. "A deflated feeling as I remember," he said.

This year Bard won't be watching the game from his living room. He'll be in Minneapolis in section 202 at U.S. Bank Stadium, traveling with one of his lifelong friends to Super Bowl LII.

And about that game ...

"I don't think it's going to be a close game," said Bard, agreeing, to a point, with many Pats fans. "I think whoever wins is going to win by more than a touchdown. I think the Eagles are going to be at about 31, and the Patriots will be at 21, 24 at the most."

With that confidence in hand, Bard has accepted a few friendly bets.

"I have one with the Fire Chief (Gerard Mahoney) and one with Mayor [Marc] McGovern."

As Police Commissioner he won't participate in any wild celebrations should Philly win. The satisfaction of the Lombardi Trophy heading back to his hometown is more than enough.

"I'm going to be a gracious, humble winner."

Patch is a network of more than 1,200 hyperlocal news sites across the country. Boston-area and Philadelphia-area Patches are sharing content in the lead-up to Super Bowl LII. Want to get in on the conversation? Sign up and fire away.

Photo courtesy of Cambridge Police