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1st Pilot For Tampa Police Dies

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By JOSH POLTILOVE

jpoltilove@tampatrib.com

Published: November 18, 2008

TAMPA - Al Ford, who helped launch the Tampa Police Department's aviation division, died Nov. 8.

The Wesley Chapel resident was 80.

"He was the most wonderful man in the world," said his wife of 26 years, Joyce Ann. "He was so generous, kind, loving and sensitive. He always cared about other people. He always did for other people and put himself last. He was a fabulous husband, perfect in every way."

Ford was a familiar voice of the local "Sky Patrol" radio-traffic reports for 24 years.

In April 2005, Police Chief Stephen Hogue honored him and his favorite plane with a plaque noting their place in history.

"He was TPD's first pilot and many Tampa residents still remember Al's traffic reports," Hogue said Friday in an e-mail to The Tampa Tribune. "His plane is on display in our lobby as a reminder that Al was a pioneer and will never be forgotten."

Ford landed in the cockpit in 1968 in a partnership between the police department and WDAE-AM radio. He continued reporting after retiring as a police lieutenant in 1971, also working for WSUN-FM.

At first, Ford worked in a plane rented from Peter O. Knight Airport. He quickly took to his role as the "eye in the sky."

The police department purchased a 1962 Piper Colt in 1970. Ford nicknamed it "Tillie the Toiler."

He had nicknames, too. The traffic controllers at Tampa International Airport called him "Al One," Ford said. The Tribune dubbed him "probably the most popular man in uniform to hit Tampa since Santa Claus" and the "Big Scourge in the Sky," for his habit of chastising drivers.

The police department decommissioned Tillie in 1985. Tampa Flying Service donated it to the Tampa Police Museum in 1999. The engine was removed so the plane could hang in the lobby at 411 N. Franklin St.

"It meant a great deal," Joyce Ann Ford said.

A private Catholic Mass will be held today, she said.

Ford also is survived by daughter Carolyn Kinslow and her husband, James; daughter Kimberly Ballish and her husband, Chris; and daughter Melissa Ballmann and her husband, Dan; two sons, David and Al; 14 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at (813) 259-7691.

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