Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

That's Bill Fortye with the FIRST City of Las Vegas Police Department (Later Metro) Police Dog, Burgie. Burgie was originally my brother-in-law's (Lew Thomas') dog and he was trained at the old Prison Farm up by Sunrise (Frenchman's) Mountain. When Lew went to California as a State Parole Officer, Burgie went to Bill. Bill Fortye was killed on Highland Drive (Now MLK) it the late 60's and the killer was caught because Burgie had bitten off three of his fingers (NOT just his thumb!). They were recovered from Burgie's tummy and matched with the killer who had gone for help with his hand to what is now University Medical Center Hospital. Burgie was a powerful and beautiful silver/black Shepard and I used to get to walk him at night along Jones and Alta. When not "on duty" while Lew had Burgie, he was kept at home rather than a kennel. I was about 14-15 at the time. When I walked Burgie at night I was always a little cautious since I had seen him in training when the individuals retained at the Prison Farm wore the attack suit for training. Burgie was a very powerful dog and without exception took the attack suit wearing prisoners (who volunteered!) to the ground easily and then Lew called him off. If my sister still has photos of Burgie and Lew and I'll see if she can find them so I can post them. By the way, the second police dog here was a Belgian Malinois named "Rocky" and he was smaller than Burgie but trained with Burgie. I don't remember the name of the other officer who had Rocky.

Richard C Vaughan
Lived with Burgie a few years

November 12, 2022

God bless you and God bless your partner for his loyalty for defending you to his best ability and not leaving your side. Burgie has likely passed since he defended you 54 years ago. I’m sure he is by your side in heaven and I will always have both of you in my thoughts and prayers. God bless both of you and God bless your family. Semper Fi brother and Semper Fi Burgie.

State Traffic Officer 7185 Mike Becze
California Highway Patrol & US Marine

October 28, 2020

Patrolman Fortye, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 30, 2020

RIP SIR. Parole for a cop killer turns my stomach

Deputy Constable Anonymous Anonymous
31 years of service

April 22, 2018

I grew up in Las Vegas, and in our Neighborhood there was a Pool for
the Francisco Park Residents. I was 15 and Patrolman Fortye, whom we all called Life guard Bill, was the Life guard there for the entire Summer. Could NOT have asked for a Better Human Being, and how he got along with all of the Kids,(Me, being one of them)...What a Shame, and waste of a great man!!

Gerry S. Genovese
Friend and he was my Idol

December 20, 2014

I worked Backup shift with Bill. He was a tireless worker. A lot of nasty people were removed from the streets by Bill and Burgie. We were a small shift and his loss was deeply felt. Over the years I come to recall the old days and the memories of Bill and Burgie are all very positive.

Pete Beckman
LVMPD Ret.

October 3, 2014

On behalf of all who have shared their thoughts, memories and reflections on this site, I wish to sincerely thank you. As his daughter, they provide comfort and provoke a deep sense of pride for a loving father and a truly dedicated officer.

God bless you and my heartfelt thanks.

Tracy Fortye Myers

Tracy Fortye
Daughter

September 24, 2014

William "Bill" Fortye was not just a brave Police Officer, he also had a second job as a Life Guard,(Figures) at Our Neighborhood pool at Francisco Park, when Vegas Was a Town, Not a City,(@200,000 Residents) and he cared for all the kids that would hang out there all day. My Buddies and I
would get there at 9 AM, and leave at 6 PM, To go and save and protect other lives.I was 14 when he was our "Life Guard", and still remember his calm demeanor. He's been missed for almost 50 yrs. God Bless you Bill!

Gerry Genovese/ One of the Kids he prote
A Friend and my Idol as a teen ager

July 3, 2014

When I was 15 yrs. old, Officer Forte had a side job as a Life guard at the now defunct Francisco Park Pool.That's where all my buddies and I would spend our HOT Summer days. He was like an Icon,...A Police Officer by Night, Protecting the SMALL,(Then) Community of Las Vegas,( Around 200,000 People), and a Life Guard by day, wayching over all the youngsters of our little community, On 15th st. & Sahara.
Now HE is what a Roll Model should look like, be like,& act like if there was GOOGLE back then. A great Human Being..

Gerry Genovese
A Proud Friend, who still mourns his loss!!

July 3, 2014

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

June 9, 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 48th anniversary year of your death. I am privileged to leave a tribute to you. 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

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

January 27, 2014

Patrolman Fortye, Thank you for your service ot our country and the citizens of LV. God bless your canine for doing what he could to apprehend your killer.

SSA Ellen Pierson
US ICE/PUT

May 18, 2010

you came to my mind today as you have many times prior, but know that you are so in our hearts, thoughts, blessings and gratitude...

Niece, Laurie Kennedy
My Uncle

September 3, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 26, 2007

Bless your canine partner for bringing your killer to justice. Your service and sacrifice are not forgotten. Rest in peace Patrolman Fortye.

A citizen

August 5, 2007

Your name lives on, both in the history of the LVPD/Metropolitan Police and in the hearts and minds of those you left behind. I know you watch over them still even after all these years.

God Bless and Rest in Peace.

Ptl. Jim Leahy Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

November 19, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

Rest in peace, hero.

October 28, 2004

On behalf of the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association, I would like to express our deepest regards and sympathy to the family, friends and fellow officers of Patrolman William Fortye. You gave the ultimate sacrifice. William, you may be gone, but you will NEVER be forgotten. Rest in peace blue angel and thank you for your service.

James A. Cortina

Director
Connecticut Police Work Dog Association

February 12, 2004

May God bless you always for your sacrifice. You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

August 22, 2003