Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Our prayers go out to the entire Ford family.

SA Edward P. Sutcliff
FBI

April 12, 2005

“When God made Peace Officers….”

When the lord was creating Peace Officers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, “You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.”

And the Lord said, Have you read the spec on this order? A Peace Officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn’t touch, and not wrinkle their uniform.

They have to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses, and testify in court the next day.

They have to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half- eaten meals. And they have to have six pairs of hands.

The angel shook her head slowly and said, “Six pairs of hands….No Way.”

“It’s not the hands that are causing me the problems,” said the Lord, “It’s the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have.”

That’s on the standard model? asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, “May I see what’s in there sir?” (When they already know and wishes they had taken that accounting job.) Another pair here in the side of their head for their partners’ safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, “ You’ll be alright ma’am, when they know it isn’t so.”

“Lord,” said the angel, touching his sleeve,” rest and work tomorrow.”

“I can’t,” said the Lord, “I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on civil service paycheck.”

The angel circled the model of the Peace Officer very slowly, “Can it think?” she asked.

“You bet,” said the Lord, “It can tell you elements of a hundred crimes, recite Miranda warnings in it’s sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five judges to debate the legality of the stop…and still it keeps it’s sense of humor.

This officer also has phenomenal personal control. They can deal with crime scenes painted in HELL, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim’s family’ and then read in the daily paper how Law Enforcement isn’t sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects.

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Peace Officer. “There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model.”

“That’s not a leak,” said the Lord, “It’s a tear.”

“What’s the tear for?” asked the angel.

“It’s for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag, and for justice.”

“You’re a genius,” said the angel.

The Lord looked sober. “I didn’t put it there,” he said.


Anonymous

Senior Instructor
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

April 12, 2005

May GOD bless your family and friends at this terrible time. Thank you for serving and protecting, Sir. Rest in peace.

Shirley Roberts
Aunt of Fallen Officer John Logan EOW-March 14, 2004

April 12, 2005

Jill, Preston and Adam our thoughts and prayers will always be with you. Kurt it was a pleasure working for you under your command as Chief of Police in Hesston, Kansas. God must have needed a true warrior with a true heart. I thank you Kurt for all that you have meant to me and for all that you have done for me, and the community that you loved and served. I look forward to seeing you at the gates of heaven when God decides it’s time for us to meet again. But until then watch over us from the clouds of heaven as we continue your work. GOD BLESS YOU!!! Your watch is over. We'll take it from here. Rest in peace my friend, my brother.

Officer Jim Brandewiede
Bel Aire Police Department

April 12, 2005

I have no words to describe such a sudden and terrible loss. It is one of the most painful feelings in the world to lose a friend. I never met Deputy Ford, but I do know how his friends and family feel. Stay together and watch out for each other.
May God bless Deputy Ford, his family, and his coworkers.

Deputy Charles R. Bitler
Greenwood County Sheriff's Department

April 12, 2005

I NEVER DREAMED IT WOULD BE ME

I never dreamed it would be me,
My name for all eternity,
Recorded here at this hallowed place,
Alas, my name, no more my face.

"In the line of duty," I hear them say:
My family now the price to pay.
My folded flag stained with tears;
We only had those few short years.

The badge no longer on my chest,
I sleep now in eternal rest.
My sword I pass to those behind,
And pray they keep this thought in mind.

I never dreamed it would be me,
And with heavy heart and bended knee,
I ask for all here from the past:
Dear God, let my name be the last.

To the family and friends of Deputy Sheriff Ford, God bless you all and a sincere wish for blessed peace and comfort during this difficult time. Be honored by his service and keep your memories close in order to celebrate his life. Peace to you all.

FDM
Douglasville, Georgia

April 12, 2005

I used to work with Kurt in the 90's. I got a phone call on 4-9-05 at 0900. When my friend told me the name, I told them that they are wrong, it can't be him, he's too good for that to happen too. They said the name again and I fell to my knees. Kurt always had a smile on his face and nothing but kind words for everyone, and always made people laugh. My father was a former Chief of Police in Halstead and when he passed, Kurt pulled me aside at the funeral and gave me a hug and said "It's ok, he's in a better place now." Kurt would call me sometimes to check on me, just like he would do for anyone having a hard time. I am only one person out of the many that he knew and touched their lives in some way also. I learned so much from Kurt and the training has helped me many times. Kurt, you too are in a better place now. I know that you and the rest of the Law Enforcement that gave the ultimate price will be watching out for the rest. My thoughts and Prayers are with his family and the Harvey County Sheriff Department. I will never forget you Kurt.

Brian McMaster

April 12, 2005

We both had the pleasure of knowing and working with Kurt and Jill while they were here in Colorado. Kurt was one of the most loved and respected people we have known. Kurt always had a kind word and a smile. Kurt was a true hero, on the job and as a friend. Kurt, you will truely be missed.

Brian and Michelle Rademacher
Douglas County Sheriff's Office

April 12, 2005

rest in peace brother

Officer Larry Lawrukiewicz
Caldwell Ks. Police Dept.

April 12, 2005

My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Family and the Harvey County Sheriff Office.

Thank you Deputy Ford for your service to the Community and for a job well done. R.I.P

Cpl
Center Hill Police Dept. Center Hill, Fla

April 12, 2005

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Deputy Sheriff Kurt Ford and the Harvey County Sheriff's Office...our hearts and prayers are with you all...... Thank you for a job well done Kurt... rest in peace as you continue your watch from the heavens......your memory will never be forgotten...

God Bless....Be Safe..... and wear your vests...

Vin, Pook and all of us at beyond-the-blue

Vinman & Pooky -Site Owners
beyond-the-blue

April 12, 2005

I grew up with you there and I looked up to you so much as a little girl and I will continue to grow with you in my heart. You saved a life at the expense of your own and you will always be a hero to everyone who knew you and to everyone who will know you in the future. You're in my heart and mind always.

Stephanie Achilles

April 11, 2005

Reading these messages have only shown the true affection we all had for Kurt.
He touched so many with his easy going,
can't bring me down approach to every-thing in his life. I have had the privledge to know "Bubba" since he was just a baby, and will miss him dearly.
Our deepest condolences extend to Jill
and the boys, we are here for you always
cousin Ken

April 11, 2005

Another senseless crime......

Your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for serving your community and keeping them safe.

May you now watch over us all for eternity.

Amy Caldwell
Marion, Ohio

April 11, 2005

Deputy Sheriff Ford,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Harvey County.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

April 11, 2005

Words cannot express my sorrow in the loss of such a great guy. Kurt was always there with his smile and if you needed it a hug. The community has lost a true hero. 918 (Odie) may be gone, but he will live on in everyone's heart and memories.

Deputy Tim Schmidt
Geary County Sheriff

April 11, 2005

I started as a Harvey Co Sheriff Reserve in the beginning of 2001. I was briefly introduced to Kurt Ford as the Chief of Hesston Police Department. I only spoke with him for 5 minutes that day. I then later found out in January 2005 that Kurt Ford would be returning to the Harvey Co. Sheriff's Office. I was then promoted to Chief of Police for City of Walton. And in losing one officer I needed a replacement. I was told that Kurt would be interested in applying. He accepted the position. On different ocastions we would talk about what needed to be accomplished in the police department at Walton. I told him that with his training and experience that he should be the chief and not me. He said no, that they put me in there because they trusted me and that he was just there to help. I rode with him 3 weeks ago on a Saturday morning for 4 hrs. He spoke of honesty, integrity, and giving 100% of yourself in your job. Also, to treat others as you would like to be treated. Our plans for the Walton Police Department will continue on but not how I thought because it will be without Kurt. He always had a smile and a word of encouragement. He always was there with words of encouragement and good advice for the officers starting out. He was a real mentor.

I have not known him as long as many of you have. But, in the time I did get to spend with him I felt like I have known him forever. He will be greatly missed by the citizens of Walton and the Walton Police Department.

Rest in peace my friend, my brother....
Chief E.M. Reed #701

Chief Eric M. Reed
Walton Police Department, Harvey Co. KS

April 11, 2005

We knew Kurt through his son, Preston. Preston and our son were in Kindergarden together and played two years of Basketball. When we would see Kurt at the games or at school you knew he loved his boys. He always had a smile on his face. Why him? he had so much to offer.....another example of life not being fair. Jill, Our heart is aching for you and the boys. I know there is no words that can comfort you at this time, but know that we are thinking about you. We are planning to be at the memorial service next week, here in Colorado. Bob, Claire, Sarah, and Scott Lilly

Claire Lilly

April 11, 2005

My fiancé, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Davis County Sheriff's Office in southeast Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Kurt did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Kurt be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Deputy Ford's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you. If you ever need anything please do not hesistate to contact me. Dennis' department will always know how to reach me.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Kurt is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Kurt was well respected and well loved. You were blessed to have had him in your life, even for a short time.

Thank you Deputy Ford for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiancé Dennis for me.

Wishing you brighter and better days,

Jocelyne :)

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

April 11, 2005

There is not much more you can say about someone who has meant so much to you. someone that provided you with ambition and challenge to be a great police officer and more important, a great person. Kurt led by example in most everything her did. Kurt trully had a hand in how I wanted to be as a police officer and more importantly as a father.
The way Kurt glowed when he talked about his wife and two sons was inspiring to me and everyone around him. I thank you Kurt for all that you have meant to me and for all that you have meant to this world.
I think God must have needed a true warrior with a true heart, this is why you were called.

Eternally your friend and companion in Gods army, I will see you again someday. Anthony jenkins

Detective Anthony Jenkins
Douglas County Sheriff's Office

April 11, 2005

May God hold you in his arms and guide through the gates of heaven.

We'll take it from here our brother.

Your brother and sisters of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Dept. Florida

PBSO
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Dept. Florida

April 11, 2005

What an honor to have known such a brave hero. Kurt taught alot of us about police work. The most valuable lesson he taught me was not on paper or at a range. Kurt taught me what a real man can be, towards others and especially family. I will never forget that smile. May god bless you and your family.

Deputy Tom Staples
Douglas county Sheriff's Office

April 11, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Deputy Ford's family and friends. Please watch over us brother, for you are in better place. God Bless

Pocono Twp Police, Pa
Officer Jack Manuel

April 11, 2005

Kurt,

Since 2000 I have been stationed in McPherson County and handling calls in Harvey County. While you were Chief at Hesston I don't know that we met but I think we might have. I do know that I have been hearing about you for five years! Your reputation is as everyone has related....fantastic! You have been given your just reward in Heaven and I pray for your family and friends as they mourn their loss. You died protecting those who could not protect themselves and this you dedicated your life to. What better or noble calling could there be? Watch over us as we continue your work. Know that your family will be well taken care of by the multitudes of friends you knew and didn't know.Take care Brother.

Trooper Chris Bauer
Kansas Highway Patrol

April 11, 2005

Kurt you will be missed and thanks for all your advice as I start my career as a deputy in Law Enforcement. My thoughts are with Jill and your boys. May God comfort you in this time of sorrow... Matthew 5:9

TARA HAM
DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

April 11, 2005