SEN. DAVID C. FORD MEMORIAL HIGHWAY DEDICATED

The late Sen. David C. Ford – who blazed a trail for technology during his years in the Indiana Senate – had a portion of State Road 3 named in his honor during a ceremony recently.

Hosted by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), the ceremony featured Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman, President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) and State Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle). Dedication of “Sen. David C. Ford Memorial Highway” was at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 28, a half -mile north of Hartford City on State Road 3.

Holdman was selected by precinct committee members of Senate District 19 to complete Ford’s four-year term. The late senator from Hartford City died March 5, 2008, after battling pancreatic cancer.

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“It will be an honor to help dedicate this 5.5 mile stretch of highway to Senator Ford,” Holdman said. “This memorial will remind all those who travel in this area of the commitment and dedication Ford so willingly gave to all Hoosiers, and especially to those in Senate District 19.”

In addition to Holdman and Long, State Sen. Luke Kenley (R-Noblesville) and INDOT Fort Wayne District Deputy Commissioner Bob Alderman, a former member of the Indiana House of Representatives who served alongside Ford, attended the ceremony.

Kenley authored Senate Concurrent Resolution 59 during the 2008 General Assembly to designate the road segment as the “Sen. David C. Ford Memorial Highway.” Kenley presented the resolution to Joyce Ford, wife of Sen. David Ford, during the ceremony. Ford represented all or parts of Adams, Allen, Blackford, Grant and Wells counties.

“Throughout his 14-year tenure in the Indiana Senate, Sen. Ford was a respected leader and tireless advocate for his district and the people of the State of Indiana,” Kenley said. “It’s fitting that Sen. Ford’s public service is recognized by all who drive along State Road 3, which he traveled often visiting constituents.”

“Sen. Ford was always a champion for his causes and a remarkable public servant,” Long said. “He earned a reputation in the legislature as a pragmatic problem solver who worked across party lines to enact meaningful change. He left a lasting legislative legacy with laws that helped move Indiana and our schools forward, especially in the field of technology.”

Alderman said one of the signs was to be unveiled and erected along State Road 3 after the ceremony.

“This will present an opportunity for not only legislators but the general public as well to recognize a wonderful public servant,” Alderman said.