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  • So Sad: Roger Fortson’s Younger Brother, Andre Fortson, Killed By Gun Violence In GA, Grief-Stricken Community Demands Justice

    So Sad: Roger Fortson’s Younger Brother, Andre Fortson, Killed By Gun Violence In GA, Grief-Stricken Community Demands Justice

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    The Fortson family is mourning the loss of two young members, their lives tragically cut short by gun violence.

    Source: Hurlburt Field/Facebook

    U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Roger Fortson was gunned down by a Florida deputy just months before his 16-year-old brother, Andre Fortson, was fatally shot in Georgia.

    Officials say this latest tragedy unfolded at Summit Hill Apartments in DeKalb County, just east of Atlanta.

    According to USA Today, Andre was found with gunshot wounds in a breezeway at the apartment complex shortly before 10:00 p.m. Authorities swiftly arrested 20-year-old Quintavious Zellner, charging him with aggravated assault.

    Preliminary investigations indicated that “two groups of subjects were shooting at each other” for reasons still unknown. 

    A neighbor named Jaqueia told USA Today that she tried desperately to save Andre, performing CPR and describing him as a “really good boy” who was never disrespectful or involved in any altercations.

    “I tried to save him, doing CPR because I couldn’t save him,” said Jaqueia.

    Call for Justice: Community and Family Reactions

    This story continues to amplify the need for justice for Roger Fortson.

    Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, known for his relentless pursuit of justice in cases of police misconduct, is calling on Florida State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden to prosecute former sheriff’s deputy Eddie Duran, who fatally shot Roger Fortson on May 3. 

    Crump is emphasizing the urgency for the State Attorney to act now that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has completed its investigation.

    “The actions of Deputy Duran were not just negligent, they were criminal,” said Crump.

    The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office disputes Crump’s claims, asserting that the deputy reacted in self-defense after encountering Fortson armed with a gun. However, Crump and the Fortson family challenge this narrative, highlighting discrepancies in the police response and the alleged misidentification of the apartment involved in the disturbance call.

    Chantemekki Fortson, the boys’ mother, is demanding justice for her son Roger, calling for the revocation of the deputy’s credentials and pension.

    “I want justice for my child. You’re not going to throw me a bone. Take his credentials. Take his pension,” said Chantemekki.

    Crump reinforced her sentiments.

    “This has been an incredibly challenging time for them with the loss of Roger. Losing the life of yet another young family member – a mere child – has been an absolute devastation,” Crump said, noting the family’s immense grief from the loss of both Roger and Andre.

    Crump’s Advocacy

    Bodycam footage showed Duran shooting Roger Fortson, who opened his door holding a legally owned gun pointed at the ground. Crump pointed out the extensive call history to a different apartment in the same complex, raising questions about the validity of Duran’s actions.

    Sheriff’s records showed another unit in the apartment complex had repeated domestic calls and welfare checks, which Crump highlighted during a press conference.

    MSN states that Okaloosa Sheriff Eric Aden refuted Crump’s claims, stating that the deputy did not enter the wrong apartment. However, the administrative investigation concluded that Duran’s use of deadly force was unreasonable and violated agency policy, leading to his termination in June.

    “We will never let them stain the reputation of Roger Fortson, not today, not tomorrow, not forever. We will remember him as the true American patriot that he was,” said Crump.

    Duran, a former U.S. Army serviceman, was current on his response to resistance training and firearm qualifications at the time of the shooting. As BOSSIP previously reported, he was dismissed from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office for using unreasonable deadly force in the shooting of Roger Fortson. 

    According to MSN, Crump emphasized the importance of holding law enforcement officers accountable to prevent future tragedies and rebuild trust within communities.

    “This tragic incident should never have occurred, and we must ensure that there are consequences for such reckless actions. Roger Fortson’s family deserves justice, and our community deserves accountability,” said Crump.

    Family Calls for Justice in Wake of Devastating Loss

    As the Fortson family continues to navigate the unimaginable grief of losing both Roger and Andre, their call for justice grows louder. Their story is a stark reminder of the urgent need for accountability and reform within law enforcement to prevent such tragedies from recurring.

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    Lauryn Bass

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  • #RogerFortson Update: Florida Deputy Eddie Duran Fired For Fatally Shooting Black U.S. Airman After Responding To Wrong Address

    #RogerFortson Update: Florida Deputy Eddie Duran Fired For Fatally Shooting Black U.S. Airman After Responding To Wrong Address

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    Source: Hurlburt Field/Facebook / facebook

    Florida Deputy Fired After Fatal Shooting Of U.S. Airman Roger Fortson

    He was so young with a full life ahead of him. Roger Fortson was a dedicated 23-year-old U.S. Air Force—No. Let’s put respect on his status: Senior Airman— who never knew that opening his own home would end his life. Florida deputy Eddie Duran, who killed Fortson for answering the door while Black in a raid at the wrong address, was fired for the May 3 shooting.

    A Tragic Night in Okaloosa County

    As BOSSIP previously reported earlier this month, #RogerFortson was at home, Face-Timing with his girlfriend, when deputies from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office arrived in response to a disturbance call. Major outlets such as AP News, shared the body cam footage. Deputy Eddie Duran knocked on Fortson’s door and announced himself as law enforcement.

    Fortson appeared at the door, holding a gun pointed towards the ground. Without hesitation, Duran fired multiple times, fatally wounding the airman with six shots. Fortson later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

    Deputy Eddie Duran Fired

    Following an internal affairs investigation, Deputy Eddie Duran was fired from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Department.  According to CNN, the investigation concluded that Duran’s use of deadly force was not “objectively reasonable” and violated agency policy.

    Sheriff Eric Aden acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “This tragic incident should have never occurred. The objective facts do not support the use of deadly force as an appropriate response to Mr. Fortson’s actions. Mr. Fortson did not commit any crime. By all accounts, he was an exceptional airman and individual.”

    What was the immediate response following the situation? Of course, they placed the killer cop on paid leave while investigating.

    A Step Toward Justice

    Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the Fortson family, welcomed the firing but emphasized that it is only a partial victory.

    “The actions of this deputy were not just negligent, they were criminal,” Crump asserted. “Just as we did for Botham Jean, Atatiana Jefferson, and Breonna Taylor, we will continue to fight for full justice and accountability for Roger Fortson, as well as every other innocent Black man and woman gunned down by law enforcement in the presumed safety of their own home.”

    With a history of fighting for Black voices to be heard, Crump’s hard work with the family is paying off. Duran’s termination is a great step, but that’s not enough for a cop who fatally shot first (SIX TIMES) and asked questions later. #PutHimInJail

    The Impact On Fortson’s Family

    The loss of Roger Fortson has deeply affected his family. NPR shares how his mother, Chantimekki Fortson, described the emotional toll the incident has taken, particularly on Fortson’s nieces and nephews.

    “When my grandkids see the police, they literally start vomiting,” she shared. “I’ve taught them to respect the police because of the chaos that goes on and the fact that they get sick to their stomach, it’s crazy.”

    WSB-TV spoke with Roger Fortson’s family, highlighting a vigil held in his honor in the family’s hometown: Atlanta. Family attorney Brian Barr highlighted Fortson’s dedication to service, both to his family and his country.

    “He served his family, he served the country, served his friends,” Barr said. “And it’s just such a tragedy, from all angles that — living this life of service doing what he was told to do — he was killed because he opened the door.”

    Saluting #RogerFortson for serving a country that doesn’t always serve the very people who built it.

    Community Outrage and Demand for Accountability

    The shooting of Roger Fortson has reignited discussions about police brutality and the systemic issues that lead to such tragedies. At a news conference, Ben Crump played a recording of a police dispatch officer indicating that the disturbance call involved “a male and a female.” This information came via a fourth-party from the front desk of the apartment complex.

    Crump criticized the sheriff’s department for not owning up to their mistakes.

    “When you make a mistake, you own up to it. You don’t try to justify killing a good guy. The Okaloosa Sheriff’s Department needs to own up to this. Tell the truth.”

    Keep in mind, this is the same Sheriff’s Department that mistakenly fired at an unarmed man 22 times from the sound of an acorn. At least that Deputy immediately resigned. It shouldn’t have to be all of this. Where is their training?

    But again, the fight continues.

    An Ongoing Investigation & A Call For Change

    The investigation into Roger Fortson’s death is still ongoing. Florida’s Department of Law Enforcement is leading the investigation, and the state attorney’s office will determine if any further action is taken. As the community rallies behind the Fortson family, the call for justice remains loud and clear.

    The death of Roger Fortson reminds Black people of the dangers faced when met with law enforcement. Communities are standing in solidarity with the Fortson family as the fight for justice and systemic change continues. 

    Will it ever end…?

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    Lauryn Bass

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  • Customized Mobile Watermaker Unit for U.S. Air Force in Wake Island – AMPAC USA

    Customized Mobile Watermaker Unit for U.S. Air Force in Wake Island – AMPAC USA

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    AMPAC USA dispatched a customized mobile reverse osmosis treatment system for the construction site at Wake Island. The unit shall be used for fresh water while construction of the airfield for the U.S. Air Force is underway. AMPAC USA in this piece throws light over the need and customizations of the particular unit for Wake Island. The company is a water treatment systems manufacturer and has been on the ground for 30 years. They provide expert consultation on various industrial, commercial, residential and military water problems.

    Press Release
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    updated: Nov 1, 2019


    LOS ANGELES, November 1, 2019 (Newswire.com)
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    AMPAC USA, one of the world leaders in reverse osmosis water treatment systems, recently customized a seawater desalination watermaker for the U.S. Air Force. With over 32 years of experience in the field, the company provided a mobile treatment system unit for the provision of freshwater on Wake Island, located in the Pacific Ocean. Sammy Farag, the CEO of the company, gives a glimpse of the product along with several other factors that were considered for designing the equipment.

    “AMPAC USA strives for quality, above everything else. Especially for military purposes, we make sure to be extra careful as we know our product has a direct impact on the operations on the ground. Treatment systems are manufactured, customized even, for the individual requirements of every order that we get. Our systems are bespoke, reliable and durable.”

    The particular product was customized for a construction site in Wake Island. The airfield, owned by the U.S. Air Force, required a constant supply of fresh water from the surroundings for a variety of purposes. This included the construction itself, drinking, cleaning, cooling, sanitation, etc. Here is an in-depth examination of the product and design process.

    Type of Watermaker

    The obvious choice for AMPAC while selecting from a wide range of products they offer was a seawater desalination watermaker. The island has access to abundant seawater, which meant supply for the unit to filter would never be a problem. Another factor that was immediately decided was the portability of the unit. Farag explains this further:

    “At the island, the area is only a little more than 13 square kilometers with less than 8 square kilometers of the landmass. Considering the small size, we knew that a portable system that can be easily moved anywhere can be a very big advantage. The construction site will be covering almost half of the island and transport should, therefore, be easy. Portability was therefore included immediately into our plans.”

    The unit is customized from a standard mobile water treatment system that is easy to transport with all of the systems required for water filtration. The capacity of this system was increased from 20,000 GPD to 80,000 GPD considering the various operations to be undertaken over a period of several weeks. 

    Features of the Product

    The final designed product is very similar to the Emergency Portable 20,000 GPD Watermaker offered by AMPAC. The capacity was raised to 80,000 GPD and several other features remain the same, with increased reliability achieved by the careful assembly. These are:

    • A PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) situated in front of NEMA 4X-rated control enclosure with multi-layer security login to keep tabs of several readings ranging over all the information about the unit’s operation.
    • Has a multimedia carbon pre-filter for removal of excess chlorine injected at pre-treatment, pH adjustment, and bacteria removal. Also, there is a spin-down pre-filter, which is a manual see-through strainer with a cleanable mesh screen filter for corrosion resistance and particulate removal. The sediment pre-filter provides higher flow rates and removes dirt, sediment, and sand.
    • On-demand Feed Supply Pump is added to supply the watermaker with seawater coming from a settling tank. These are made of Multistage 316L Stainless Steel Jet High-Pressure pumps with safeguards.
    • The unit also includes a high-pressure plunger pump that delivers high pressure up to 1200 psi with increased reliability. It has a standard Motor Soft Start which reduces start-up power by 60%. It also has monitors with visual flowmeters, salinity measurement, hour meter and temperature monitor to help with additional information.
    • The unit comes with in-built safety features such as low-pressure sensors for failsafe operation, high-pressure diverter valves for operator safety, etc. Every component is NSF-approved and the unit comes with a WQA certification.

    Farag further elaborates, “Every system by AMPAC comes with an in-built Reverse Osmosis system. The process is proven to filter 99% of contaminants with just the use of a thin film membrane. The specifications of the membrane in the product for Wake Island were calibrated on the basis of the available water around the island that will eventually be feed water. This customization will ensure that the membrane does not wither soon due to excessive damage from the contaminants.”

    Other Considerations

    For the external part of the unit, weather conditions at the island were a major factor. The weather at Wake Island is very humid and hot over the year. It does not change much but sees occasional storms and showers majorly from July to October. The temperature varies from 74 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of the minute variance, there are no hot or cold seasons. This means that the mobile unit will have to face similar temperatures almost every day. Not many changes were made to the standard external features of the mobile treatment unit as Farag says the unit in itself is very sturdy.

    “Our strive has always been to provide quality products that last longer. Durability, sturdiness against any weather and reliability are very important to us, which is why the treatment system did not require any extra customizations. These features and qualities of the product are automatically incorporated without having to mention it. The unit we have provided, with regular maintenance, will be able to run for years without any hassle.”

    The final product is a good quality seawater desalination watermaker that can provide 80,000 gallons of fresh water each day, can run without much manual supervision and can withstand any weather coming right at it.

    “Our experts worked for weeks on this unit,” adds Farag. “We know very well that our products are responsible for helping out operations at the construction site and any delays are not welcomed. We had a special team that worked in the facility and closely monitored the assembly and manufacturing of this unit. Some of these experts have been with us for more than 20 years and have unmatched experience in water treatment systems. We are confident that our product shall be an asset to the site at Wake Island and will be in constant touch for regular monitoring and maintenance.”

    Wake Island primarily serves military flight activity within the region, however, military presence is minimum at this time. The island is a coral atoll in the Western Pacific region and is used for emergency flight landings of commercial jetliners that fly in the transpacific routes. It has also been used by airlines operating jet aircraft on scheduled flights in the past. The island is known to be one of the most isolated islands in the world. The unit shall be an important part of the construction operations on the island.

    About the Author:

    AMPAC USA is a world-renowned water treatment systems manufacturer and operates primarily with reverse osmosis systems. They provide solutions to industrial, residential, commercial and military water problems.

    Source: AMPAC USA

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