Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Fortin,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Washington. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 30, 2023

Rest in peace always and know that no passage of time can ever erase your service and sacrifice.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 30, 2020

I am Trooper Fortin's granddaughter--his daughter Marcelle lives in New Jersey and is 96 years old--just discovered this page today--have been in contact with Sharon Phillips of the WSP Memorial Foundation and have made arrangements to take my Mom to Washington DC where we will meet up with Trooper Cheek to honor her Dad. Thank you for your kind reflections--and thank you to my grandfather for his service

Cathy Beardsley
granddaughter

April 11, 2017

I was reading the bulletin put out today remembering you. I came to this page to see if anyone in your family may have left a reflection here. I don't see any and wonder if your relatives even know you are remembered here. You had a great smile and appear to be a great guy. Sad you had to leave so soon.

Trooper Pam

October 9, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 90th 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

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

August 11, 2013

I noticed you share the same first name as my grandfather. I want to thank you, Patrolman Fortin, for your service to the citizens of Washington State decades ago. You are remembered each year at a display at the Western WA Fair in Puyallup, where the State Patrol displays your sacrifice with honor. Rest in peace.

Reserve Officer (Ret)
Wshington State

December 18, 2008

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer D.Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

September 30, 2006

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

July 6, 2004