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Incident
Patrolman William Fortye was shot and killed with his own weapon after conducting a traffic stop in the 400 block of Highland Drive. During the stop, the suspect began to struggle with Patrolman Fortye, gained control of his weapon, and shot him three times. Patrolman Fortye's canine partner, Burgie, attacked the suspect and bit him on the hand, and severed his thumb. The suspect was later apprehended as a result of the dog bite. Burgie was found sitting next to Patrolman Fortye when backup officers arrived. The suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life. He was paroled in 1981, and died November 11th, 1998. Patrolman Fortye had served with the Las Vegas Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Fortye gave the Las Vegas Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Las Vegas community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Fortye.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Las Vegas Police Department has lost 6 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 82 officers killed feloniously in NV, 56.2% of the 146 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1966, 1 officer at Las Vegas Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1966, 1 officer in NV was killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 62 years on record. The heaviest was 1979, with 4.
In 1966, 77 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 91st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1966, 81 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 87th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 32. Of the 4 killed feloniously at Las Vegas Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 32.8 and 43.5; the middle age was 35.5. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
William was 32. Of the 70 killed feloniously in NV whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 46; the middle age was 37. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
William was 32. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 32. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 60% of these deaths at Las Vegas Police Department, more than any other month. Fridays: 40%.
October holds 13.4% of these deaths in NV, more than any other month. Fridays: 9.8%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 83.3% of all 6 deaths at Las Vegas Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 56.2% of all 146 deaths in NV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 6.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Las Vegas Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 29-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Las Vegas Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
