Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

April 11, 2005

Our department extends our condolences and prayers to Deputy Kurt Ford’s wife, sons and the Harvey County Sheriff Department.

Marvin K. Neukirch, Agent, KDOT
Topeka, Kansas

Marvin Neukirch, Agent
Ks. Department of Transportation

April 11, 2005

On behalf of the Lindsborg Police Department I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Deputy Kurt Ford. Our badges are covered to remind us of the ultimate sacrifice that Deputy Ford made in trying to make this world of ours a safer place to be in. I will never forget.

Chief of Police Tim Berggren
LINDSBORG POLICE DEPT.

April 11, 2005

In 33 years of service, I have rarely known another deputy who always had a smile for his fellow man no matter what the situation. I had the opportunity of speaking with Kurt almost every day when he was in training here in Douglas County. Each and every day, he had a smile and was bustling about doing his job! He was so proud of his boys and he always introduced them all around the office. I've also had the pleasure of speaking with his wife as she worked in our Investigations Division. The bible speaks of the centurions and how Jesus felt about them. Take care, brother and centurion. Hopefully, we'll all meet together up there some day.

Jim McCord, Sergeant
Douglas County Sheriff's Office

April 11, 2005

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Today, April 11, 2005 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Deputy Sheriff Kurt Ford who died in the line of duty just two days ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Deputy Ford's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

April 11, 2005

My husband, Sam, did Kurt's background check while he was in the hiring process at Shawnee, KS Police Department. When he got home he spoke of the great family man and truly terrific officer that the department would be getting. I was lucky enough to meet Kurt and Jill and could understand what great people my husband had told me about. To Jill and kids, my heart goes out to you. You are in our thoughts and prayers!!

Nichi Larson
Wife of Shawnee, KS Officer

April 11, 2005

I had the privilege of knowing and working with you during high school. We were good friends but as good friends sometimes do, we lost touch when I moved away from Newton. I've always remembered your wonderful personality, smile and what a great person you were.
I was deeply saddened to learn of what happened to you. My heart goes out to your family and friends. I know you will be greatly missed and I will pray that they will somehow find some peace.
I can't image how devastated they are because everyone that knew you loved you and you didn't know a stranger.
I've been reading the reflections and know that you have truly left your mark in this life. I remember you told me many years ago that was one thing that was important to you. You wanted to make a difference in this life. You truly have I can tell just from comments made of those who knew you well and worked with you.
I know you are in a much better place where you can watch over your family. I have heard that only the good die young so God must have needed you sooner than the rest of us.
We are sad for our loss but thankful to have known you for however long. You definitely touched many lives and went straight to heaven's gate!

Teresa Schmitz
Osborn,MO

April 11, 2005

Rest in peace my brother.

Police Officer
Burlington Township PD NJ

April 11, 2005

A Brother Warrior has fell and died today in battle.

This Brother Warrior has made the ultimate sacrifice.

He has given his life for his Fellow Warriors, his family and friends too.

Brother Warrior, pass your sword to us, so we can keep your spirit alive.

You, my Brother Warrior will not be forgotten.

God Bless you, your family and your friends.

We honor and respect all of the Fallen Warriors who have gone before us.

We ask you, Brother Warriors to guide us, protect us and pray for us.

We will meet again my Brother Warriors.

For this time not to fight another battle, but to live in eternal peace.

God bless all of the Warriors, past, present and future.

Sgt. Chad McDaniel
Seminole County Sheriff's Office (FL)

April 11, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and friends. Rest in eternal peace with Jesus brother, your work here is done.

Police Officers
Glenwood IL. Police Dept.

April 11, 2005

I have never met Deputy Ford but i have the up most respectfor him. God be with his family friends and brother and sister officers.
Till we meet in heaven for the final roll call

Police Officer
Louisburg Kansas

April 11, 2005

May GOD be with you and your family in this very trying time. You will be truly missed, and never forgotten. I can't recall a time when Kurt did not have a smile on his face or something encouraging to say regardless of the situation.

"Blessed are the peacekeepers, for they shall be called the sons of GOD" Matthew 5:9

Sgt. Robert Elzi
Douglas County Sheriffs Office

April 11, 2005

On behalf of the men and women who serve with the Mahomet Police Department, our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Ford's family, friends, and co-workers of the Harvey Co. Sheriff's Office

Mahomet, IL Police Department

April 11, 2005

We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.

To our brave brother, GOD speed!

April 11, 2005

From the men and women of the Rossville, KS Police Department our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Deputy Ford.

Rossville, KS Police Department

April 11, 2005

This news shocks and saddens me as I had met Kurt on more than one occassion. I interviewed for the Hesston Police Department when he was the Chief and sadly, I moved out of state before knowing if I would have had the privilege of working for Kurt. When I came back I worked for another department in Kansas and was able to speak with him on one other occassion.

He was a great man and an even better Officer and leader. The law enforcement community has lost a hero, a leader and an icon. To his wife and kids, I know this is hard right now but keep in mind he was doing was he loved and what he did best.

Kurt, watch and protect us from above.

Aaron Eidem
Boeing Security

April 11, 2005

Dep. Ford, my heart goes out to your family, your co-workers, and your friends who will miss you. A great man is one who serves those who are lesser than him, it was once said. I believe the men and women who make this terrible sacrifice for the sake of helping their fellow man are the greatest of us all. I lost a freind in the line just four months back pretty much the same way...this changes everything for all who knew you, and I wish they didn't have to go through it. Too many of us do. The thin blue line will miss you, brother. Rest now while we take the watch...

Patrolman,
Providence, RI Police

April 11, 2005

Kurt You were a great guy, Always willing to help out and were always enjoying life. Thank you for all that you have given me and for how you have changed my life, You're someone I've always looked up to. Truly a Hero in my book.

I knew Kurt when he was at the Douglas County Sheriffs Office in Colorado. What a great guy and an outstanding Police Officer. Law Enforcement was truly in his Blood. He frequently just stopped and said hello and talked for a little while when he thought someone was having a bad day. I don't think a day went by I didn't see a smile on his face. He cared so much for the youth and frequently helped out the Explorer Program with different training's.

Kurt We will all miss you, you and your family will be in my heart and prayers.

Patrol the Streets of Heaven for we will continue your watch here on earth. Rest in peace Kurt...

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matt. 5:9 "

Deputy Bryan Ward
Douglas County Sheriff's Office

April 11, 2005

I met Kurt in 2002 when he came to Douglas County. I had the pleasure and honor to be one of his F.T.O's and knew right away that Kurt was a special person and one to learn from. Kurt was always looking out for everybody, always going out his way to do what he could to make things run smooth. I remember Kurt sending me a text page on my birthday and writing out the entire birthday song then sending me a second page minutes later saying "boy you're old". Jill, Kurt was right, you do make great chicken noodles!! Preston and Adam you guys hold your head up high and tell everybody what a hero your daddy is.
Kurt my friend, my brother, I will never forget you and your smile. God Bless You. ALOHA BRA

K-9 Deputy J.L. Glassburner Jr.
Douglas County S.O. Colorado

April 11, 2005

REST IN PEACE MY BRAVE BROTHER

Deputy Ohio

April 11, 2005

We will all miss you. You will be missed but never forgot and may God be with you and your family.

Deputy Sheriff Les Steveson
Douglas County Sheriff's Office

April 11, 2005

God Bless Deputy Ford,His families and the Harvey County Sheriff's Office, My thoughts and prayers are with you all,Thank You Brother for Service Well done.We will continue the fight on the streets for you as you watch over your families and us from Heavens Beat!Rest Easy Brother til we meet in Heavens Roll Call ! God Bless You Deputy Ford !

Deputy Sheriff
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office , Louisville Kentucky

April 11, 2005

I would like to give my condolences to the family of Deputy Kurt Ford and to the Harvey County Sheriff's Department. I did not know the man but as a fellow officer I know he was a good man. I am sure he will be missed.

Respectfully,

Patrolman Mellott

Patrolman Michael J. Mellott
Nickerson Police Department

April 11, 2005

Good luck brother as you pass through the gates you will be remembered. Thank you for your selfless acts of heroism and look upon us with a happy soul. Thank you and God bless.

Dave
State

April 11, 2005

I hadn't seen Kurt since I moved from Newton, but I know Kurt will be greatly missed by all those whose life he touched, both on and off the job. Kurt was a good friend and great law enforcement officer.

Jennifer (Wieland) Nelson
Former Assistant Harvey County Attorney

April 10, 2005