Police Officer Richard L. Fortin, Detroit Police Department, Michigan

Police Officer Richard L. Fortin

Detroit Police Department, Michigan

End of Watch Friday, June 19, 1987

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Richard L. Fortin

Police Officer Richard Fortin drowned at 3:38 p.m. while attempting to rescue four people from a boat that had capsized in the Detroit River outside Detroit's Renaissance Center.

He was wearing a wetsuit during the rescue but did not have on breathing apparatus. The four people in the capsized boat were rescued by nearby boaters.

Officer Fortin had served with the Detroit Police Department for 23 years and was a member of the department's volunteer diving team. He is survived by his wife, daughter, two sons, and mother.

Bio

Age 45
Tour 23 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Drowned

water rescue

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Most Recent Reflection

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God of Justice, I am grateful for the lives and sacrifices of all America’s Peace Officers. They died serving us. Help us never forget. Help us celebrate their lives and honor their sacrifices. Be with the families of these fallen peace officers. Comfort them and give them Your strength and peace. Guide us as we seek to take care of the families of these fallen heroes. May we care for them with integrity. In commemorating the deaths of these fallen heroes, help us also to remember that death is not the end. Death does not have the final say, but is simply the transition from this earthly life to the heavenly life yet to come. This assurance was guaranteed to all believers upon the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to that life to come with joy and anticipation. Thank You, Lord God, for hearing this prayer. In the mighty and holy name of Christ Jesus, Your dear Son, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scripture References:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained Independent NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 19, 2025