Statement of Governor Perdue on Passing of Mike Fortson

ATLANTA- Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Senior Trooper Michael R. Fortson, a Georgia State Patrol officer assigned to the Governor’s Executive Security team:

“Mary and I are deeply saddened by Mike’s sudden passing this morning. Our prayers are with Kathleen, Shawn and Michael as they cope with such a tragic loss. For over 20 years, Mike protected and served the people of Georgia, and for the past three years was a valued member of our extended family. We will all miss his sense of humor, his love for his family and this state, and his selfless service to Georgia.”

Senior Trooper Mike Fortson, 42 of Buford, grew up in Rabun County and graduated from Rabun County High School. He joined the Georgia Department of Public Safety, Georgia State Patrol, in August 1986 as a Trooper Cadet at DPS Headquarters in Atlanta. He graduated from the 62nd Georgia State Patrol Trooper School in February 1988 and was assigned to the Georgia State Patrol Post in Gainesville as a trooper. He transferred to the Executive Security Detail in February 1999 and was assigned to the Metro Fugitive squad from 2002 until 2004.

He returned to Executive Security in 2004 and was part of Executive Security at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, and two sons, Shawn and Michael, ages 21 and 14 respectively.