End of Watch: 09/30/1923
Agency: Washington State Patrol
County: Whatcom County
Trooper Vernon Fortin died on September 30, 1923, at the age of 25. Trooper Fortin was injured when his motorcycle collided with another patrolman’s motorcycle while they were en route to the Lynden fair for traffic duty. Trooper Fortin died five days later from his injuries. At the time of his death, Trooper Fortin had served 18 months with the Washington State Patrol.
Trooper Fortin was the first WST Trooper to die in the line of duty.