Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

miss you bro

April 9, 2007

Deputy Ford lost his life trying to save someone he had never met. Many officers say that is the chance you take everyday working in law enforcement. Thank you, Deputy Ford, for taking that chance. I am sure you changed so many lives of the course of your career. Rest easy, you are not and will not be forgotten.

April 9, 2007

Two years later, I'm still honored to have served with you and known you for a short time. You made a tremendous impact on my life and many, many, many others.

Thinking of you often...

April 8, 2007

I can't believe it has been almost two years. As much as I wish you were still here... I am comforted knowing you are watching over us. Everytime I read about another brother or sister making the ultimate sacrifice, I think about you welcoming them home. We miss you, Kurt.

April 2, 2007

Thinking of you...missing our life together. Looking forward a home eternally someday, together again. We continue to hold you up and honor your sacrifice. I could not be more proud of my brother, my friend. Our family misses you greatly, you big lug, we miss you bouncing in and taking over the room. The kids miss you and talk about you often. I tell them stories that make their little eyes shine. My heart still aches with a deep heaviness that is constant. But you sir, are in glory.
I love you, you are to be remembered, recognized and honored. There is definately an emptiness without you that our family will forever endure. Love you bubby, sis.

February 10, 2007

May God rest your soul Kurt. You are a hero in all of our eyes. Your are missed! God bless those left to carry on!

Patrolman Clint Leahew
Hays Police Department

December 28, 2006

YOU ARE DEARLY MISSED. I MISS SEEING THE SMILE THAT BRIGHTENED MY DAY. I AM NOW A DEPUTY AND REGRET THAT I NEVER GOT TO WORK SIDE BY SIDE WITH YOU. THANKS FOR HELPING ME BECOME A MORE POSITIVE PERSON AND HELPING ME REALIZE THE IMPORTANT THINGS IN LIFE.

DOUGLAS COUNTY DEPUTY

December 26, 2006

It's a part of my life that I will never forget. When Michael and I heard what happened, and how our spring trip ended up being a trip to Kansas. We think about you daily and are always bringing up a memory of you.

Every time Mike goes on a SWAT call I pray and hope that you are watching over him too. Your were a huge inspiration to him and I'm not sure you really knew just how much. You have the greatest smile and the warmest heart of anyone I ever knew. Kurt we miss you!

Cindi Dieck Dispatch Supervisor
Douglas County Sheriff's Office

September 24, 2006

They heard the words, "go, go, go" , from you, Kurt. They continue hearing those words often and remain steadfast and committed to the mission. Thank you, Kurt, for that. Thank you for being an inspiration to them, keeping them true to who they are and passionate about what they do. As public servants, it is not ours to question if the masses are worth the struggle. As public servants, we tend to find our gratification in the drive and pursuit of our personal goals, hoping that residually, someone steers himself right. Thank you for modeling that, alone, that quest is of significant value. They honor you in their work everyday, Kurt. They miss you immensely and are proud, humble, fierce and compassionate as well. They are grateful to have known and fought the good fight with you.

Abby Tyner
proud wife of B.J., Harvey County Sheriff's Officer

July 21, 2006

Kurt

I was at your funeral and I cried for you, and for your family. I never knew you and never knew your family....

You should know they you will never be forgotten and your family will always be cared for. Let us take it from here brother.

Karla

I know personally the pain you feel in your heart, and what the loss of a brother can do. Kurt will forever be in my heart, and your family will always be in my prayers.

Bobbie Schwartz
Hutchinson-Reno County Emergecny Communications
Sister to Fallen Hero
Fremont County Sheriff's Officer Jason S. Schwartz
EOW 9-28-01

Bobbie Schwartz

July 9, 2006

Kurt,
I will never forget Saturday morning of April 9, 2005 at 5:00 a.m. when the Undersheriff called me and told me what had happend to you. Several months after April 9, 2005, I left the Harvey County Sheriff's Office and went to work for the Park City Police Department. Everyday I go to work, I think about you as I drive by the cemetary. April 9, 2006, I cried as I drove past the cemetary on my way to work. My wife and I think about you everyday and we pray for your wife and boys. Recently in Park City, we put together a Community Policing patrol car. The trunk lid of the patrol car displays your name. After the patol car was finished, I took the patrol car to a local Doctors office where your sister works and showed her the patrol car. Your sister was moved when she saw your name and thanked the Chief, Community Policing Officer and I for placing your name on the patrol car. Seeing the patrol car everyday reminds me of you and all of the great things you did as a law enforcement officer. Kurt, I just want you to know, my wife and I think about you and pray for you and your family everyday. Thank you for being the person you are and the things you have done.

Officer Chuck Trimmell
Park City Ks. P.D./Former Harvey County Deputy

June 30, 2006

My friend,
After 14 months - He was found guilty this morning of capital murder. Not sure how I feel about this. I am sure of two things though, that is not enough and your still gone. I find myself wanting to call and talk with you about some call I had or just to share with you something that has happened in life. After reading all the reflections that have been posted about you, I can understand why I was glad to have you as a friend. Someone that I could turn to and trust, that I was getting the right advice and a different point of view. I miss you alot and wish things had not turned out the way they did. Until we talk again. Your buddy, Randy

Chief Randall L. Call

June 28, 2006

Hey Kurt,
As you know I have moved on to a different department. We are doing good here and having fun. On patrol one day I learned the man who built you and Jill's house lives in our town. We talked a while and he told my hour wife and kids are doing well. Along with Doll and Guest we went to see you on the 9th of April. We saw your sister and spoke with her. We talked about you for some time. It was funny because without thinking I happen to have three coins in my pocket. We left them for you. I left you the picture, I hope you liked it. It is what I have to remind me everyday. I miss you my friend.
see ya.
Steve

Officer Stephen Symonds
Kechi PD

June 25, 2006

Kurt,
I was at the cemetary this last weekend and still can't believe it. We miss you so much. I miss your hugs and your smile...a smile that I'll NEVER forget. On the one year anniversary of your passing, my husband and I along with Karla dedicated a Weeping Willow Tree (Karla said that was your favorite)in Walton park in honor of your memory. My kids and I visit it everyday and water it and talk to it. We are going to be planting some flowers around it this summer. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I proudly display your honor bracelet on my arm and your sticker on all of my cars. I will never take them off. I have created a little memorial of you at the end of my hallway and see it everytime I go down the hall, how comforting to see your smile. Growing up as the "little" sister to one of your friends I always felt so important when all of these "big" boys would pay attention to me and smile and hug me or just say hello. You have no idea how important and special that made me feel. Thank you for that. I know that you are in a good place and that you and dad are taking care of everything and watching over all of us and keeping us safe. We miss you!!!!

Love,
Crystal

Crystal (Sturgeon) Ruiz

June 1, 2006

I was thinking back to SWAT school in 03. You, Larry, and I were the old men of the bunch. I remember when a couple guys got caught messin around and they made the other 40 of us run that hill, what a workout huh? But who was at the top first, you and me brother. When everybody was struggling to get up, who pulled them to the top? The FORD man!! Isiah 6:8 says "here am I send me". I have lived by that statement my entire life and through 15 years of public service ol friend. And I can count on one hand the amount of people Ive known that live the same way, and you definately topped that list. Seldom in life do you find someone that everyone speaks so fondly of, you are definately one of those people. You always had a smile on your face and forever brightened a room when you walked in. It was my honor to have known you. You left a mark on me forever. You told me once and I quote "a true friend laughs at you jokes when there not so good, and sympathizes with your problems when there not so bad". I dont know who you stole that from, but those words have stuck with me ever since you stated them. My only regret with you Kurt, is that I didnt take you up on that request for the Marshals, maybe things would have turned out different. God bless you and yours forever. Every April 9th a little prayer is coming your families way.

Micah Richardson
Colorado Peace Officer

May 23, 2006

Hi I wanted to let any family members and friends know that I am riding in the Police Unity Tour on May 9th. I am wearing a bracelet during the ride in honor and memory of Deputy Kurt Andrew Ford. You can go to policeunitytour.com for more information about the event.
If any family member is going to be in Washington DC on Friday, May 12th and wants to meet with me I would be honored. We will be riding into Washington DC on Friday afternoon. Please email me if you would like to meet.
Sincerely,

Ptl. Jamie Norrell (West Caldwell PD, NJ)

PATROLMAN JAMIE NORRELL
WEST CALDWELL PD, NJ

May 6, 2006

We will be in Washington with honor and respect to hear your name read.

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse

May 4, 2006

Kurt, I enjoyed our many conversations during SWAT training. You were a fine example of a father, husband and Police Officer. Your picture hangs on my wall. I see it daily and I remember how much I admired you. I look forward to another conversation about "the boys" and life. I miss you Kurt. Paul............

Detective Paul D'Ambra
Parker Police Department

April 28, 2006

Its been a year. Im sorry I haven't thought of the words to say sooner. I still don't know what to say, but I'll try.... I miss you. I think about you every day. When I think of you, I think of Jill and the boys. I keep you in my prayers every day and pray for everyone involved that morning. I still wear the "HONOR 918" bracelet. I can't seem to take it off. Four years ago, my two boys gave me an ankle bracelet to remind me to put my vest on and to be safe. I've never taken it off and see it every time I put my boots on as I'm getting ready for duty.
Every time I'm on duty and someone tells me "Thankyou for helping me", I think of you and relay the thanks on to you. If it weren't for you and Jimmy, I wouldn't be in this proffession. I looked up to you guys when I was in high school and continue to look up to you today. This is the greatest job in the world when the good guys win. It's the worst when we lose. You taught me the three most important things to being a good cop. Compassion, Common Sence, and a Sence of Humor. I will never forget the ride-a-longs and your mentoring. I still work midnights and love it. I hope to come back home to HVSO someday.
Thanks for watching over us Odie...

Officer Matt Stineman
Council Grove PD/Former HVSO

April 27, 2006

I wanted to take a moment to let you know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

They are gone, but they are never forgotten.

Carin E. Sollman, surviving spouse
Officer Jesse E. Sollman, EOW 3/25/05

April 15, 2006

Please know that you are still in our thoughts and prayers as you have just marked the first anniversary of your arrival in Heaven. Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice. You will forever be remembered as a hero.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

April 11, 2006

It has been a year since you left us for your new home in Heaven. Not a day has gone by that I haven't thought about you. You are truely missed by us all. Keep watching from above, you are doing a great job keeping us all safe. We love you our brother in blue.

April 10, 2006

Well Kurt it's been a year. The department had a 1 min moment of silence for you today at 4:03am. Still Missing you Bro. I think about you everyday I put my Vest and Uniform on. Kurt you made an Impact in my life and that will always been remembered. You will never be forgotten.

Deputy Bryan Ward
Douglas County Sheriffs Office

April 9, 2006

To Deputy Sheriff Kurt Andrew Ford and his loved ones:

On this the first anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.
Reading the loving reflections about your beloved Kurt gives us some understanding of what a kind and honorable man he was, and what he meant to his family and friends.
I hope that our paths cross in D.C.

Kurt, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Deputy Ford. I am humbled by your valor, courage, and dedication. How your loved ones must miss you.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Kurt gave to his community and the citizens of Kansas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 9, 2005.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 9, 2006

Hello Kurt it's been a year now since you were called to watch over us from above. You are still greatly missed even though though your gone your still doing what you always loved to do and thats watching over us and protecting us. Thanks Bud

April 9, 2006