In the heart of Pennsylvania, a legacy of service runs deep in the veins of one dedicated law enforcement professional, Brian Ford. Growing up with a father who served as a Pennsylvania State Trooper from 1967 to 1993, the call to serve was more than just a career choice; it was a family tradition. Inspired by the stories and camaraderie shared by his father and fellow Troopers, he knew from an early age that he wanted to follow in their footsteps.
After Ford dedicated over 25 years to the Pennsylvania State Police, he retired with a wealth of experience that few can match. His journey began in the Patrol Unit, where he spent seven and a half years responding to incidents ranging from traffic crashes to domestic violence. His commitment to justice led him to the Criminal Investigations Unit, where he tackled some of the most challenging cases, including homicide and sexual assault. Notably, Ford served as the lead investigator for sexual assault cases in the Meadville area, often dealing with sensitive child abuse investigations.
Ford’s leadership skills shone through when he was promoted to Corporal, taking on the role of an instructor at the Northwest Regional Training Center. There, he developed critical training programs, including classes on Child Abuse Investigations and Non-Traffic Death Investigations. Ford was then promoted to Sergeant and transferred to Troop A where he supervised 42 Troopers and 10 corporals in the Patrol Unit.
His dedication to education continued as he was selected to become the Commander of the Northwest Training Center, and oversaw operations there, all while continuing to teach essential skills to future law enforcement officers.
Upon retiring in April 2022, Ford took on a new challenge as a school police officer in the Lakeview School District. However, the call to educate and mentor was not yet fulfilled. In July 2023, he embarked on a new journey as an instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) in Artesia, New Mexico, where he taught in the General and Physical Training Division. In June of this year, he transferred to the Behavioral Science Division at Glynco.
Ford’s path to FLETC was unexpected. While at a golf league in Pennsylvania, he met Bill Petraitis, a retired federal law enforcement officer and FLETC instructor, who encouraged him to apply. After several conversations and applications, he found himself relocating over 1,600 miles to embrace this new chapter in his life.
At FLETC, Ford relishes the opportunity to shape the lives of young, aspiring federal law enforcement officers. “I enjoy teaching them skills that will not only help them become great Law Enforcement Officers but also skills that may help them stay alive and keep others from being injured or killed,” he shares. The diverse backgrounds of both his colleagues and students enrich his experience, fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual respect.
What Ford enjoys most about working with students is witnessing their transformation over the course of their training. “It’s amazing to watch them develop from day one until graduation,” he reflects. The growth in their self-confidence and professional skills is a rewarding aspect of his role, as he guides them through their mistakes and helps them learn how to conduct themselves in the field.
Beyond Ford’s professional accomplishments, he has a unique passion that adds another layer to his story. For 20 years, he was a member of the Pennsylvania State Police travel ice hockey team, participating in charity events and tournaments across the United States and Canada. He also coached several high school athletic teams including hockey, baseball, football and volleyball. This experience not only fostered camaraderie among law enforcement officers but also highlighted his commitment to community service beyond the badge.
As he continues his journey at FLETC, he remains dedicated to the principles of mentorship and service that have defined his career. With each class he teaches, Ford carries forward the legacy of his father and the many Troopers who inspired him, shaping the next generation of law enforcement officers with the skills and values they need to succeed.
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