Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Fortin, you are remembered by the men and women of New England law enforcement. RIP

Michael Kane
Retired Detective, Boston Police Department

June 19, 2024

Rest in peace Officer Fortin.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 18, 2019

RIP sir. Your courage is not forgotten. God bless you and your family. Watch over us

Future Detroit PO Ali .
Dearborn, MI

August 17, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 19, 2015

I would like to write a short article about Richard L. Fortin for our biannual magazine. (pls. visit ). Would it be possible to contact a living relative?

Thank you.

Pierre Fortin (AFA member #466)
Laval (Québec)

member, Editorial team, Fortinfo Review
Fortins of America association

June 19, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 27, 2012

Dad we may not have always got along we were to much alike i did get my degree in law enforcement and one in forensic science but just could not bring the pain to my kids that your death has brought to us kids all your grandkids know you your picture hangs in each one of our houses you have 7 great grandkids and they know of you as if they had met you nene stops and talks to your picture as if your there she has your humor the years go on and to us you weren't a hero you were just our loving dad miss you so much what i'd trade for another day another laugh just another hug love and miss you now and forever keep watch over all thats your job xoxoxxo

april fortin
daughter

January 24, 2011

21-years, and this true hero is not forgotten. May he rest in peace.

Sgt. Tom Carver
Delaware State Police

June 19, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 13, 2007

Rest easy on this the 20th anniversary of your E.O.W. knowing your sacrifice is not & will not be forgotten.

EWC John M. Mumper, USNR (Ret.)
Citizen

June 19, 2007

The times I worked with Rich one thing was apparent...he was real gung ho copper who worked his tail off and took a lot of bad people off the streets.

He was on the department dive team and the Special Response Unit (SWAT). On the day he sacrificed his life so that others may live, Detroit lost a great police officer.
Our Lord surely has a special place in his paradise for man of his character.

RIP Rich.

Sam Sabolovich
Detroit PD (retired)

April 23, 2006

You are yet another reminder that there is no such thing as a routine call
in this career and that nobody ever knows the fate of their next run. You
now walk the beat on heaven's street's.


In memory of Officer Jessica Nagle-Wilson #233 H.P.P.D. EOW 07-28-02

P.O. Grigsby #227
Hazel Park Police Department MI