Sad to learn of the passing of Dale "Frog" Ford this morning. Never knew how he got his nick name but would bet it goes back to the VFW swimming pool days we so enjoyed in our youth. Rest high on that mountain Monroe County Sheriff. We are going down the valley one by one.

Sad to learn of the passing of Dale "Frog" Ford this morning. The news settles heavily, bringing with it a flood of memories from years gone by—memories that now feel even more meaningful. Dale was one of those people whose presence seemed constant, someone woven into the fabric of the community in a way that made it hard to imagine things without him.

I never quite knew how he got the nickname “Frog,” but if I had to guess, I’d say it probably goes back to those carefree days at the VFW swimming pool. Those were the days we all shared in our youth—long summer afternoons filled with laughter, friendship, and a sense of freedom that only comes with being young and surrounded by people who feel like family. It’s easy to picture Dale right there in the middle of it all, part of the stories that would follow us for the rest of our lives.

As the years passed, Dale carried that same sense of connection into adulthood. Serving as a Monroe County Sheriff, he represented more than just a title—he embodied a commitment to the people around him. Those who knew him in that role often speak of his steady presence, his willingness to serve, and the way he approached responsibility with both strength and humility. He understood the weight of the position, but he never lost the personal touch that made him who he was.

Beyond the badge, Dale remained the same person many of us grew up with. He was someone who remembered where he came from and the people who shared those early chapters of life. There’s something special about individuals who can carry their past with them in a way that keeps them grounded, and Dale did that effortlessly.

Hearing of his passing is a reminder of how time moves forward, often faster than we expect. The phrase “we are going down the valley one by one” carries a quiet truth that becomes more real with each loss. It’s not just about saying goodbye to one person—it’s about recognizing the passage of generations, the fading of shared experiences, and the importance of holding onto the memories we still have.

For many, Dale will always be tied to those earlier days—the laughter, the friendships, and the simple joys that defined a time when life felt less complicated. For others, he will be remembered through his years of service, the role he played in protecting and supporting his community, and the example he set through his work.

In moments like this, it’s often the small memories that stand out the most. The familiar face, the shared joke, the routine interactions that once felt ordinary but now carry so much weight. Those are the pieces that make up a life, and they are what remain long after someone is gone.

Rest high on that mountain, Dale. Your journey here has come to an end, but the impact you made continues to live on in the people who knew you, the community you served, and the memories that will never fade.