The city formally welcomed Mike Fort to the Battle Ground Police Department on March 5th as he took his oath of office as Police Lieutenant in front of City Council, citizens, and fellow law enforcement officers.
A 26-year veteran of the Portland Police Bureau, Lt. Fort brings wide-ranging experience and leadership to the Battle Ground Police Department. While at Portland, Lt. Fort worked in the Youth Services Division, served as Patrol Watch Commander, was a member of the Rapid Response Team, worked in the Traffic Division - Motorcycle Detail, planned law enforcement detail for Special Events, and most recently served in the Standards and Accountability Unit.
A native Texan, Lt. Fort grew up on a farm and attended Texas A & M University. In 1988 he moved to the Pacific Northwest. He earned a B.A. in English, with a minor in Spanish from Western Oregon University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and in 2016 earned a Graduate Certificate of Achievement in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia.
“Mike’s wealth of experience is a great benefit to the department,” said Police Chief Bob Richardson, “He has quickly become an integral part of our leadership team as we continue to move the department forward to serve the community.”
At his formal swearing in, Lt. Fort was accompanied by his wife, Lisa and his father, George, who pinned the Battle Ground Police Department badge on his son’s uniform.
Mike is a resident of north Clark County, enjoying many of the recreational opportunities the area offers – fishing, backpacking, snowshoeing, biking, motorcycling, running and camping. He and Lisa have a small farm where they raise beef.