Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. My husband lost a friend in his department 6 months ago from a senseless act of violence. I have witnessed the horrible pain that people feel when something like this happens. The only solace is that you and he are in Heaven. It might not be easy for those left behind, but we will see you again.
Thank you, Sir.

LEO wife
Marion County Sheriff's Office (OH)

April 15, 2005

My heart goes out to Kurt's family and his law enforcement brothers and sisters. Kurt acted to help someone who was helpless. He and his team are heros. I wanted to say that all of the officers handled this situation with beyond human professionalism. I as a civilian cannot understand how or where they found the strength. maybe it is the sense of family you have for each other. Domestic violence calls are so dangerous for the officers who respond. I hope that the general public will take notice and realize that we, not just law enforcement need to address this issue better. Too many oficers have lost there lives.It is a shame that a man who had high regard for women was taken away from his beautiful wife and wonderful children by a man that had no regard for anyone but himself. Rest in peace dear Kurt. We while tell our children of your kindness and courage.

April 15, 2005

Kurt, we met many years ago. Funny, your hair was graying. You taught me how to use my first pair of handcuffs as a rookie cop. Rookies like me are what probably made your hair gray...

Later, as SWATling, I served with you. I remember asking you why you stacked in the Pointman position if you were the Team Leader. You literally led from the front and it didn't make sense to me. Your reply has stayed with me all these years I have never forgotten your answer: "Nef, I will not watch one of my men die on an operation. If anyone has to go down, I'd rather it be me". Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).

As a SWATling, I looked to you for direction. I trusted you to lead me through many doors. There was a hash mark on your headband for everytime we "visited" badguys together. When you left for Colorado, the Team felt a deep loss, but we pulled together and hung in there.

Recently you returned to us. I remember welcoming you back to the Team. Remember the day, you spoke to me about your wish for the team. You wanted the operators to be as close as brothers. Not two whole weeks, on that night, your wish was confirmed. You should have seen these guys. I've never seen a tighter crew!!! They are so protective of each other.

One last thing... Do you remember our friend we spoke about the last time we talked? We wanted to approach him and make things right between the three of us. The day of your funeral, he asked me if he could stand among the team, as he used to, to pay you his final respects. I told him we had missed him. After your funeral, we spoke. He told me: "There were two men on this earth I had to make things right with. One died, and you are the other. I will not go on, without us making this right with you. I told him about your conversation with me. We teared, then you, he and I made peace.

"In Casu Extremae Necessitatis"
"Veneratio Socius Mortuus CMXVIII"

Miss you bro...

Nef Torres, Harvey County ERT Commander

April 14, 2005

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Pride Integrity and Guts

Some of you may know my face, but not my name. Most of you have seen me around the city and some have even met me, but not always under the best of circumstances. Some of you have even spoken to me on the phone, when you called me while I was working.

Most of you have an opinion on how my job should be done, but would never take my job if it was the last one on earth. And some of you who don't even know me, hate me because of my job. But when I go to my job, I go to make a difference and so I can fight what everyone else fears.

When most would be running away from danger, my job requires me to run towards it. I do this in the hopes of making a difference for someone else I don't even know. Most people say I make too much money, because my pay is published in the newspaper. But don't think twice about hearing about another sports player sign a 20 million dollar contract for 6 months a year of playing a "game."

Since my job's base pay isn't the best I must work extra to pay the bills. Including working extra shifts on holidays, and pick up side work at construction sites as well on my days off, most still complain thinking I am greedy, but don't they realize that I to must pay taxes, have a mortgage car payments and kids in collage as well?

Don't they understand that I am not paid for what I do, but for what I am willing to do for them? After all how can you properly compensate someone to risk their own life and face danger everyday they go to work?

And when I go to work I am punched, kicked, spit on and called every name in the book for doing my job. And every night I leave my house to go to work I realize I may not come back home in the morning. Because when I go to work I can be stabbed, shot, drown, fall, be electrocuted, or die in a car accident rushing to help you.

My job also requires me to carry special "tools" to help me do my job. Sometimes even while doing my job I have to defend myself from someone attacking me. Although, the newspapers will report to you that I "beat someone down", and not that I defended myself from an attack.

While at work I must also carry a gun to protect you, but should I have to use it, the media reports to you that I "gunned someone down" or that I "shot and killed" somebody, and not that I defended myself. Don't they realize that I shoot to live and never to kill?

Also when I go to work I wrap a protective vest around me to help keep me safe through my shift. I use this vest so that I will be allowed to live to the end of my work day. And hope and pray that should something bad happen that this vest helps keep me alive so that I will be allowed to see my children grow.

And when I go to my job, I will see more pain, sorrow, agony, death and destruction in one month than most of you will see in an entire lifetime.


And to the ones who don't know me, I unforunetly will meet most of you at the worst times in your life.

You often will call me to come help you out with a problem. But if you have a really big problem you can get me at a special 3 digit number and me and my coworkers will race to your house, just to help you no questions asked. All you have to do is call and we will be there for you, no matter what time, day, night or holiday, rain shine or blizzard.

Sometimes my job also requires me to deliver lectures, babies and even bad news. I am also the one required to ring your doorbell in the middle of the night, swallow hard and advise you that a loved one will not be coming home tonight, then I spend the rest of my shift wondering why I ever took such a job.

Some people even refer to me as a "pig," but when I hear that word called to me or one of my coworkers I think of Pride, Integrity and Guts, which everyone in my profession needs to do this job.

Me and my coworkers must be able to have muscles of steel, have a sense of humor and put ourselves into dangerous situations and face danger head on all in a days work.

We must act in a second and make a decision in the blink of an eye, and spend the rest of our life hoping we made the right choice in that split second. If not we can be arrested and charged with breaking a law, be sued for violating someone's rights, or end up with even a worse fate.

My job requires me to take an oath to be their and to risk my life to protect you. And it is an oath that me and my fellow coworkers have taken and is one that we will not break.

What, you ask is my job? I am your local police officer. And what do I ask in return of doing all this and risking my life for you, nothing at all because it is my job and my hope, of being the one who makes the difference.

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Above Article was written last year by me for a local newspaper. It was then published in 3 more newspapers during National Police Week 2004.

Article Written By:

Officer Paul Cotter
Lynn Mass Police Dept.
www.lynnpolice.org

"Never Forgetting Them, and What They Have Done For Us!" - Paul Cotter

Off. Paul Cotter
Lynn MA PD

April 14, 2005

Kurt, since the tragic events of early saturday morning, I have had alot of thoughts and feelings kept inside of me that I couldn't find words to express. After sitting through your funeral today, One main question was answered: Why? Why were you taken from us? You were taken because a great great man was needed in heaven to watch over us and protect us from above.

I remember the first time I met you. It was shortly after Doug came to work for you in Hesston. I came to ride along with Doug one day. Doug introduced me to you while you were in your office. I had heard about you while I worked in Hutchinson from Doug and others. I was honored to meet you. After welcoming me to Hesston for the day I remember you telling me to be safe. You didn't know me, yet talked to me like you had known me forever and sincerely meant everything you said to me. You were very professional and I respected that alot. While riding around that day, I had decided I would like to work in Hesston some day. That day came in August of 2001. By then you had left Hesston to move to Colorado and Doug had taken your place as Chief. Doug had big shoes to fill.

Although I didn't know you and your family as much as others did, I do hold memories of when you came back to Hesston and Newton area to visit friends and family, like the time you had borrowed your dad's car to come to Hesston and you parked it infront of the city building and it wouldn't start and he had to come get you. Or the time Doug and I had the same tee time at the ERT golf tournament with you, that was a great time!

When I heard you were comming back in January of 2005, I was happy to get to be on the streets with you. Althought I didn't get to see you very much over the short 3 months you were here, I enjoyed the conversations we had. When I would hear you go traffic in Hesston, I would hurry over to back you and look forward to the chatting after the stop.

The morning before the funeral, I was cleaning our patrol cars and I recieved a call from a gentleman who used to live in Maple Ridge several years ago and he said he remembered you giving him $10 to put gas in his car because times were tough for him. You left a lasting impression on everyone you dealt with.

Kurt in closing, I am keeping you, Jill, Preston, Adam, and all family and friends in my prayers. Jill is one very strong woman, and she will get through this tragic time. Adam is such a cute and smart kid. Preston told me today that he was going to come to Hesston and work with me when he gets older. That meant alot to me. Your boys definitely have your traits, and for that reason alone, they are going to be sucessfull in what ever they do in life.

Kurt, you were called to heaven and you answered. You will be truely missed by all. I will never forget you 918!

Officer Jeff Wilson
Hesston Police Department

April 14, 2005

Kurt my brutha,

Thank you very much for the time that we spent togeather. You were an awesome cop, husband, father, and friend. You will be missed dearly and may god bless your family!!!

Officer Gary Rivale
Aurora Police Department

April 14, 2005

My heart goes out to Deputy Ford's Family. Deputy Ford your tour is finished here. It is time to patrol the streets of heaven.

Dispatcher Tracy Willen
Jefferson County Sheriff, Louisville KY

April 14, 2005

I wrote this little memorial on Monday, when the gravity of the situation finally started to hit home.


"Ave atque Vale"


Disbelief. Utter disbelief.

When my wife handed me the phone telling me one of my friends was on the line, the last thing I expected to hear was bad news. When I heard the phrase "...Kurt Ford was shot and killed", time just stopped.

Reality finally hit home today, Monday. While still in disbelief, I am starting to realize the true loss that has occurred. I know where Kurt is now. I know he is in a better place, yet I still have this painful hollow pit in my soul that kinda reminds me as I go about my daily tasks.

There will never be a replacement for Kurt- someone else will fill the job, but no one will ever come close to filling those shoes. I don't think there has ever been a more fair officer and person, nor will there ever be.

Kurt had the ability to make you feel like he was your best friend the first time he met you. And every time thereafter. He could connect with anyone, it seemed-I don't think I EVER heard a bad word about Kurt.

When I was just out of high school a couple of years, I would go riding out on patrol with Kurt on occasion. I can remember going to lunch with the other Sheriff's officers at Newell's and contemplating such complex questions as the distance between a sugar dispenser on the floor to one on the table, whether or not the dispensers were laying down or sitting upright, if the distance between the two was equal (it is not, by the way).

Kurt had an ornery side as well. While I was a freshman on college, my dad had gotten a Thunderbird Super Coupe, bright red. One night while cruising main, I pulled up to 8th and Main, going north. Who else but Kurt pulls up next to me in his new Chevy Caprice patrol car, the one with the LT-1 350 in it. He asks me if I want to race. I ask if he's going to write me. He says " I asked you, didn't I?" So, green light off we go. (I will not specify speeds at this point) I actually won. He confirmed that fact by yelling out the window "YOU WIN!!" as he went on by and went west on 12th street.

I always went over to his place when I got a new car, mainly because I got something with a fair amount of horsepower, and would take him for a ride. It was always nice to see him, cause it seemed like he always had time for you.

I will always remember those and many other memories I have about Kurt. the guy was liked by most people on both sides of the law. In fact, I know some people who changed their ways because of him. Some even went into Law Enforcement. He just had that way with people.

When I heard Kurt was back in town, I had hoped to catch up with him when i was back in Newton for the upcoming Kansas Sampler (I live in KC). That's not going to happen now.

Oh, man, am I going to miss him. I won't even be able to be at the service, so I thought I would write my own little tribute to Kurt Ford.

We have heard all the phrases- Loving husband, father, devoted officer, friend, etc etc etc.... They're all true.

I think this sums it up best..

Kurt was really a great guy.

All around.


You couldn't ask for better.

Oh yeah- the phrase Ave Atque Vale is Latin-

"Hail and Farewell"

Thanks for the good times Kurt. We'll see ya later.

Jason Crupper

April 14, 2005

When most people run, HERO'S run in. To my friend and brother in blue. God Bless.

Joel White
Douglas County Sheriff's Office

April 14, 2005

Today was the second law enforcement funeral I have had the sorrowful duty to attend this year, and I pray it is the last!!! I did not know Kurt personally, but I find it truly amazing how many people he touched in his short life. I hope that in my career I can positively affect just half of the people that Kurt did.

My heart and prayers go out to your family, friends and colleagues. Today's service was especially rough due to the fact that Kurt was such an involved, and integral part of the community. From the little league team mourning the loss of a coach, to the average citizen mourning the loss of a hero, to the law enforcement officer mourning the loss of a brother. We will never forget you. Keep a vigilant watch over us, and keep us safe. God speed Kurt Ford.

Deputy K.J. Kooser
Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office

April 14, 2005

Kurt and Jill lived across the street from our daughter in Highlands Ranch ,CO . Everytime we went to visit he would make sure he came to talk with us ... he knew two of our sons were in Law Enforcement ...and he always asked how they were doing . He was a wonderful father and a great neighbor and we will miss him . We send our love and condolences to Jill and the boys .

Sue & Paul Sutcliff

April 14, 2005

Deputy Ford....there are no words to explain the silent ripples this tradedy has sent around not only the law enforcement community as a whole, but amongst the elite group of officers to whom you belonged....Who do police officers call when they need help? They called you and you answered. Godspeed, Sir........

Wife of a Sgt
Macomb County Sheriff Dept, SWAT, MI

April 13, 2005

Our Thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Deputy Sheriff Kurt Ford, your good deeds to your community and country will never be forgotten.

Chief Ferrell J. Stewart
Cooter, MO Police Department

April 13, 2005

Semper Fidelis Brother

Deputy Danny Potter
Douglas County Sheriffs Department

April 13, 2005

I had lived in Newton my entire life until three years ago when I moved to Towanda. I only met Kurt a few times but I can't count how many times I've heard about Kurt and what a great guy he was. I never heard anyone say otherwise even by those who he had arrested.

My husband called me Saturday morning to tell me there had been shooting and Kurt Ford had been killed. My heart instantly sank. What a tragic loss for not only Harvey County, but for everyone he touched. My heart felt sympathy goes to his family, friends and co-workers. He will be truly missed.

Lisa Soller Cooley
Former Newton, KS Resident

April 13, 2005

God bless you hero!

Police Officer M. LaFramboise
Independence Mo. Police Department

April 13, 2005

Our department also suffered the loss of a brother this past week. The heartfelt prayers and expressions of support and love go to your entire department from ours in your moment of grief. Deputy Ford is patrolling the streets of Heaven in the arms of God. His pain has ended....ours will too, in time. God Bless each and every one of you.
(PS. It's OK to cry...we've done a whole bunch of that this week...)

Detective Robert Bobinsky
St Charles Illinois Police Department

April 13, 2005

I worked with Kurt Ford when he was still in High School at K-Mart. He was a very special young man, hard working and real kind to the customers and staff. On the few occasions I would run into him in later years he always had a sparkle in his eyes and a great big hug.

My condolences go out to his family, his friends and his co-workers. We lost a very special person in Kurt Ford. One who won't be able to be replaced.

Pennie Bartmess

April 13, 2005

I never met Kurt Ford, but I went to his funeral today. And after hearing about him this morning, I feel like I've known him all of my life. Kurt was an outstanding example of what Law Enforcement can and should be. He obviously left his mark on more people than he or his family could ever know. Funerals are never a place I like to go, especially when it is a brother in blue that was "just doing his job".

Jill, Preston, and Adam, I can not possibly imagine the pain that you feel. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Kurt has made a difference in so many, but I know that does not make it easier.

Let's all hold our loved ones a little closer, rededicate ourselves to fighting crime in the way that Kurt did, and hold his family up in prayer.

Detective Jason Gill
Sedgwick County Sheriff Narcotics

April 13, 2005

To a officer who was a true brother. Kurt was a person who would be there any other person in the time of need.
He will be missed very much.

Deputy Greg Wright
Douglas County Sheriff

April 13, 2005

We met Kurt and Jill when they moved to Colorado and we became great friends,our boys became best friends.Preston and Griffin were in the same class and Adam and Ben were peas in a pod!We will miss Kurts sweet smile and his big hugs.When they moved I really missed seeing him when he would drop the kids off at school everyday and the talks we would have,now I will miss his presence in this world.Thank God there are men like Kurt!who want to protect us all!Thank you Kurt for being a great officer and a dear friend.

Jill,words can not describe how sorry we are and our hearts go out to you,Preston and Adam.Know you have family here and we love you.

Preston,please know all of your friends here are thinking of you.Baby,I know how proud you are of your Dad,just hold tight to that!

Adam,we are all thinking of you!you have your Dads warm and beaming smile,know that your Daddy is with you every moment.

Kurt we will miss you!
Jolie,Roger,Griffin and Ben

Jolie Albee

April 13, 2005

My heart goes out to your wife and children Deputy Ford. Thank you for your heroism in the face of certain death. Rest in Peace.

Auxiliary Police Officer Charles Smith
New York City Police Department - Auxiliary Police Section

April 13, 2005

Deputy Ford's death will not be in vain. It is a reminder to us all that we could be taken at any time, especially when you least expect it. He was a brave man who laid his life down for another. No greater sacrifice could be made by one human being for another. We will remember his sacrifice and keep him and his family and friends in our daily prayers. God rest Kurt's soul.......

Chief of Police Charles R. Orth
Larned Police Department

April 13, 2005

Deputy Kurt Ford it was an Honor to be Your Sheriff and work with you during your Tenure here at Douglas County Sheriff's Office. You made this organization a better plac to work. Your impact as an instructor is inmeasurable. You has an effect on all of US and so many new recruits. As a Colo POST Board member I know yo u Trained Them Up Right, and for that I Thank You and Salute You. You have made a Positive Impact on so many that will surely remember You for Your tru Professionalism. Please know that We all here at the DCSO will keep You, Jill and your Son in oue thoughts and Prayers. All of you are still wihin OUR Law Enforcement Family. KURT and to all of your fellow Officers i offer this... BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS. FOR THEY SHALL BE CALLED THE SONS OF GOD...Matthew 5:9

Sheriff Micheal L Acree
Dougals County Sheriff's [email protected]

April 13, 2005

Although your watch has come too an end, rest easy my brother knowing that the battle will rage on and that your sacrifice was not in vain, nor will it ever be forgotten.

God bless you and your family.

PC Christopher Ferko
Toronto Police Service, Canada

April 13, 2005