Fountain Valley : Police Chief Retires, Citing Health Problem
Fountain Valley Police Chief Marvin K. Fortin, a 19-year veteran of the force, has retired, citing medical problems incurred on the job.
Fortin, 48, has been on a medical leave of absence since August, when he was hospitalized for high blood pressure. Because of the hypertension problem, his physician has advised Fortin to discontinue working.
The police chief has filed a worker compensation claim because he says the stress of the job has left him permanently disabled, personnel manager Bill Ackerman said.
Fortin joined the department in 1967 as a sergeant and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming police chief in May, 1974.
During his tenure as police chief, canine units and a Neighborhood Watch program were initiated and a $3-million police station was built.
The city is recruiting throughout the state to fill the $50,000-per-year position, Ackerman said. Until an appointment is made, Capt. Bill De Nisi, who has been acting police chief since August, will continue in that post.
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