State police facility named after Lewes’ Ford

Former Delaware State Police superintendent and Lewes resident Col. James L. Ford Jr. was memorialized Oct. 8, when the Delaware State Police Training Academy was named in his honor. 

“He cared about everybody … he was one of the best bosses I ever worked for. And he wasn’t a boss; he was a coworker,” said Sen. Dave Lawson, R-Marydel, whose Senate bill renamed the academy after Ford.

Lawson pointed out that the name is not tied to the current Dover address, and will live in perpetuity.

“Wherever it’s built, that name stays with it,” Lawson said.

Ford’s sons, James and John, thanked officials for honoring their father, who they lost in March.

“This is a day of celebration for us,” said John. “I think the most important things to him within the Delaware State Police were training and history.”

Former Lewes Mayor Jim Ford said his father enjoyed working with young people, whether athletes or police recruits, and he thanked Gov. Matt Meyer and legislators for honoring him.

“I can’t think of anything more fitting than having the opportunity to say [thank you] on behalf of Dad, who’s not here physically, but spiritually is definitely here,” Jim said.

Col. Ford’s career started by serving in the U.S. Navy on an ammunitions ship during the Korean War. He joined the Newark Police Department (1953-56) upon his return. He led a distinguished career with the Delaware State Police in various positions, including K-9 officer, director of training and ultimately as superintendent, retiring in 1976.

He later joined Delaware Technical and Community College, serving as an instructor and department chair of criminal justice at the Terry Campus and as assistant to the president for college relations in the president’s office. Col. Ford also consulted with nearby state law enforcement programs.

In 2001, Col. Ford was appointed cabinet secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security by Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, serving until 2004. He retired again after 51 years of public service to the State of Delaware and his country.