Maryville, Tennessee – Blount County Sheriff’s Office James Lee Berrong is sad to announce that a veteran Blount County deputy passed away Thursday evening as a result of complications from cancer.

Lt. Chuck Ford, 62, leaves behind several family members, a girlfriend, and many loved ones and friends. Lt. Ford was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and was receiving medical treatment before his passing Thursday.

Lt. Ford began his career with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office in 1997 in corrections and was part of the team that was responsible for assuring a smooth transition of inmates from the old jail facility at the Blount County Courthouse to the jail at the new Blount County Justice Center when it opened in 1999. During his 27 year career at the Sheriff’s Office, Lt. Ford climbed the ranks and was promoted to lieutenant in 2018. Lt. Ford also served with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office in corrections prior to working at the BCSO. In addition to his lengthy career in law enforcement, Lt. Ford worked for the New Jersey Department of Corrections.

Lt. Ford was born in Queens, New York and grew up in that area. He served our country in the New Jersey Air National Guard as a combat arms instructor. After moving to Tennessee, he transferred to the Tennessee Air National Guard and was assigned to the motor pool for the134th Air Refueling Wing at McGhee Tyson Airbase before retiring from military service in the mid 2000s. He deployed overseas numerous times during his military career.

“Chuck was the embodiment of public service,” Sheriff Berrong said. Not only did he serve his communities in a law enforcement capacity, he also gave selflessly to our country most of his adult life in the Air National Guard in Tennessee and New Jersey. He was a stellar employee who always showed up and did the work. And he did it with a smile on his face, always. I can’t remember Lt. Ford ever being down for long following adversities. He picked himself up by his bootstraps and he carried on. He was truly one of the good guys, and his impact on those who knew him was far-reaching. Everyone who knew Chuck has a story about him, and it’s always a good story. He will truly be missed at the BCSO.”

Please keep Lt. Ford’s family and friends in your prayers as they mourn the loss of a cherished family member and friend.