Richard Louis Fortin served in the U.S. Army for 2 years and 11 months. Richard served during the years of the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
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.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Richard. Claim this record.
In tribute
23 years. You could have gone home.
Police Officer Fortin gave the Detroit Police Department 23 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Detroit community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Fortin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Add your own tribute to Richard.
Leave a Tribute