A 23-year-old airman named Roger Fortson was shot and killed by a sheriff’s deputy at his off-base residence in Florida. Fortson was stationed at the Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field and had been in active duty service since November 2019. The deputy involved in the incident claimed to have acted in self-defense after encountering Fortson, who was armed with a gun. Fortson was taken to the hospital but died from his injuries. The Air Force’s 1st Special Operations Wing expressed their condolences and stated that their priorities were supporting the family, providing resources for those impacted, and conducting a formal investigation into the incident.
Fortson had been assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron, which is one of the nine flying squadrons in the 1st Special Operations Wing based at Hurlburt Field. The squadron is known for flying the AC-130 gunship. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office reported that the deputy involved in the incident was placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing. The deputy had responded to a call about a disturbance in progress at the Chez Elan Apartments, where Fortson lived, around five miles from the airbase.
The tragic incident has left many impacted, including Fortson’s family, colleagues, and the community. The Air Force is providing casualty affairs services to Fortson’s family and supporting his squadron during this difficult time. Resources are being made available to all those affected by the loss of Fortson. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation to determine the sequence of events that led to the fatal encounter between Fortson and the deputy. The community is mourning the loss of a young airman who dedicated his life to serving his country.
As news of the shooting spread, there was a sense of shock and disbelief among Fortson’s colleagues and friends. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are unclear, and many are waiting for more information from the ongoing investigation. The incident highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and military personnel in their line of duty. The shooting has raised questions about the use of force and the protocols in place for handling situations where individuals are armed.
The loss of a young airman has had a profound impact on the Air Force community, especially those who served alongside Fortson in the Special Operations Wing. The tragic nature of his death has left many wondering about the circumstances that led to the shooting and how it could have been prevented. The investigation into the incident will provide more clarity on what transpired and whether any changes need to be made to prevent similar tragedies in the future. In the meantime, the Air Force is focused on supporting those affected by the loss of Fortson and ensuring that resources are available to assist them.
