Aquinnah Mourns Retired Police Chief Douglas J. Forte

MARTHA'S VINEYARD, MA — First responders on the island are mourning the death of retired Aquinnah police chief Douglas J. Fortes. Aquinnah Police Chief Randhi P. Belain announced the passing via the department's social media accounts on Thursday.

"It is with great sadness that the Aquinnah Police Department regrets to inform you of the passing of Retired Chief Douglas J. Fortes of the Aquinnah Police Department," Belain posted.

Fortes joined the Aquinnah Police Department in 1990 and was hired as chief a year later after the death of Chief Kenneth F. Belain Sr. Fortes served in the position until he retired in 2004. Prior to his arrival in Aquinnah, Fortes worked in the Tisbury Police Department.

Chief Belain said funeral arrangements and complete obituary will be posted here once complete.