Documents: Fired Deputy Who Shot and Killed Hurlburt Field Airman Disciplined in 2021, turned in resignation days before shooting.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has terminated Deputy Eddie Duran following an internal affairs investigation into the fatal shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson on May 3. The investigation concluded that Duran’s use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable, violating agency policy. Sheriff Eric Aden emphasized the incident should never have occurred and reaffirmed the office’s commitment to fairness, professionalism, and transparency.
BREAKING: Okaloosa Sheriff Release Call Logs, 9-1-1 Tapes From Airman Shooting Death
Mid Bay News received a heavily redacted police report and 911 call from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s office regarding the May 3 shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson. The report, which lists four witnesses and two victims, provides a timeline from the initial domestic dispute call to the arrival of EMS and subsequent actions taken by law enforcement. The names of witnesses and a responding deputy were redacted, and the Sheriff’s Office placed the deputy involved on administrative leave pending an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Hundreds at Hurlburt Gather to Remember AC-130J Gunner Killed By Okaloosa Sheriff’s Deputy
Scores of airmen, civilians, and contractors descended on Hurlburt Monday morning to pay their respects to Senior Airman Roger Fortson in a common-access-card-only event held at the base. Hundreds of airmen attended the ceremony—so many overflow bleachers had to be set out on the flight line. The balance of the 4th Special Operations Squadron, Fortson’s unit, escorted the Fortson family to their seats at the memorial. Colonel Patrick Dierig gave the keynote address, aiming to help heal the airmen of the 4th Special Operations Squadron and beyond. The event was broadcast live so deployed airmen could also watch.
We Got Into An Invite-Only Affordable Housing Summit In Niceville. This Is What We Learned About The Local Housing Crisis:
local government, developers, and industry leaders convened for a housing summit in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Hosted by OCHIP, WCHIP, and the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, the summit focused on affordable housing challenges and solutions. Discussions highlighted the impact of housing costs on residents’ quality of life and the collaborative efforts needed to address these issues.
Bodycam, Facetime Videos Allegedly Reveal What Happened When Okaloosa Deputy Shot and Killed Hurlburt Airman
The body camera footage delivered by Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden showed Senior Airman Roger Fortson answering the door with a pistol pointed at the ground, followed by the deputy shooting him multiple times. Fortson’s family, represented by attorney Ben Crump, also released video they say Fortson’s girlfriend filmed immediately after the incident.
Family of Airman Allegedly Killed By Okaloosa Sheriff’s Deputy Hires Civil Rights Attorney
Senior Airman Roger Fortson’s tragic death has sparked controversy and demands for transparency as his family seeks answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting allegedly committed by an on-duty Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy. The family has enlisted the help of prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump, known for his work in high-profile cases involving police accountability.
LiveOak Fiber Reaches Halfway Mark in Okaloosa County Internet Rollout
Live Oak Fiber is halfway through installing high-speed internet in Okaloosa County, bridging the digital divide and bringing connectivity to thousands.
Eglin Federal Credit Union Launches Partnership with School District To Improve Students’ Financial Literacy
Eglin Federal Credit Union and Okaloosa County schools are joining forces to teach high school students vital financial skills, from budgeting to retirement planning, ensuring they’re ready for a financially secure future. Learn more about this impactful partnership here!
7th Group Savage: Green Berets Race Around Bay for Charity
Special forces members are running the Savage Loop, a 40+ mile race, to raise money for ‘A Special Wish of Northeast Ohio’ and grant wishes to sick children. Join us in supporting this noble cause!
Okaloosa County Reveals 2024 Mosquito Treatment Plan
Okaloosa County Mosquito Control Program has announced their detailed plan for mosquito control this year, covering various regions on specific days of the week to ensure effective treatment and reduce mosquito populations. The schedule includes spraying, larviciding, and the use of gambusia fish, with guidelines for residents to protect themselves during peak mosquito activity.
