A long and productive history of protecting and serving the public came to a quiet end in Oxford Township on Oct. 11 as Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeff Ford worked his last day as a full-time officer.

“I’ve had a very fruitful career,” said the 53-year-old. “It’s time for Chapter Two.”

Ford began working for the sheriff’s office on a part-time basis in 1990. He became full-time in February 1993.

Over the years, Ford did many things including supervising the sheriff’s Marine Unit, riding with the Motorcycle Unit for 14 years, working with the Warrants Unit and Fugitive Apprehension Team, serving as part of the dive and rescue team, and patrolling local roads.

“I have worked every substation, except Highland and Brandon, in my career,” said the 1982 Lake Orion High School graduate.

One of the highlights of Ford’s career was the 10 years he spent working with the sheriff’s Alcohol Enforcement Unit.

Created in 1980 to combat the rise in alcohol-related crashes, the unit specialized in the detection, apprehension and prosecution of drivers impaired by drug and

alcohol use. The unit also helps educate the community about the dangers of impaired driving by sending deputies to speak at schools and address community groups.

“I have been able to save lives (by taking impaired drivers off the road),” Ford said.

This work was particularly meaningful to him because his father Carol Edward Ford, who went by Jack, was killed at the age of 36 in a crash with a drunken driver in Oxford Township in 1971. Ford was just 6 years old when his dad died.

Ford went into law enforcement because his family instilled in him a deep and sincere desire “to touch lives and help as many people as I can.”

“That’s been my calling,” he said.

Law enforcement seems to run in his blood. His great uncle was the police chief for Waterford and he’s had other relatives who have worked for the sheriff’s office and the former Pontiac Police Department.

“I’m the last to carry this (tradition) on in my family,” he said.

Working in law enforcement definitely kept Ford on his toes.

“In this profession, you go from zero to 100 at a moment’s notice and then the next day, you come in fresh and start all over again,” he said. “Every day is an adrenaline rush in some capacity.”

When asked what he’ll miss most about the job, Ford immediately replied, “The camaraderie.”

Over the years, he’s forged many cherished friendships with his fellow officers.

“This department, bar none, is just fantastic,” Ford said. “I have nothing bad to say about the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.”

Ford decided to retire in order to spend more time with his wife Julie and help deal with her health issues. The couple has been together for 14 years.

“I am going to take a back seat to be there for her and take care of her,” he said.

Ford will continue to work for the sheriff’s office, but only in a part-time capacity. Eventually, he would like to “move to a warmer climate.”

“I see no snow in my future,” Ford said.

Ford found it very fitting to end his full-time career in Oxford because the community is “outstanding” in its support for law enforcement and “respect” for officers.

“I have never received such a warm welcome as I have in Oxford,” he said.