Sergeant Morton "Morty" Ford, Alexandria Police Department, Virginia

Sergeant Morton "Morty" Ford

Alexandria Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch Saturday, June 18, 2011

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Morton "Morty" Ford

Sergeant Morty Ford died as the result of contracting Hepatitis C during a blood transfusion after being shot in the line of duty.

On November 26, 1974, Sergeant Ford and several other officers had responded to a robbery in progress at a state-owned ABC store on North St. Asaph Street. As they arrived at the scene Sergeant Ford observed two men get into a car in an adjacent parking lot on Montgomery Street. As the patrol car pulled into the parking lot the men in the car immediately opened fire on the officers.

Sergeant Ford rammed the vehicle as it attempted to flee and then returned fire. He was struck in the chest during the ensuing shootout. One of the suspects was fatally wounded and two others were taken into custody. Sergeant Ford underwent several blood transfusions following the surgery. It was later determined that he received infected blood during one of the transfusions. His health continued to deteriorate until he passed away in 2011.

Sergeant Ford had served with the Alexandria Police Department for 26 years. He is survived by his brother and two sisters.

Bio

Age 64
Tour 26 years
Badge 542

Incident Details

Cause Duty related illness
Incident Date Tuesday, November 26, 1974

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God of Justice, I am grateful for the lives and sacrifices of all America’s Peace Officers. They died serving us. Help us never forget. Help us celebrate their lives and honor their sacrifices. Be with the families of these fallen peace officers. Comfort them and give them Your strength and peace. Guide us as we seek to take care of the families of these fallen heroes. May we care for them with integrity. In commemorating the deaths of these fallen heroes, help us also to remember that death is not the end. Death does not have the final say, but is simply the transition from this earthly life to the heavenly life yet to come. This assurance was guaranteed to all believers upon the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to that life to come with joy and anticipation. Thank You, Lord God, for hearing this prayer. In the mighty and holy name of Christ Jesus, Your dear Son, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scripture References:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 18, 2025