Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I lived in Tampa at the time this happened. I had 3 family members at the time who were in law enforcement so when Officer Soto was murdered. On the day of his funeral, I remember seeing the procession and people pulled over. We stood outside our cars and saluted him as they drove by. That he was deprived of being able to see his son grow up was so unfair. It stood out to me for those reasons and through the years, the memories pop up. I hope all officers stay safe and thank you for protecting us. Am keeping his wife and son in my prayers.

Cathy Napoli

March 11, 2024

I proudly served beside one of the most influential, respected and generous individuals I had the pleasure to meet. As a United States Marine (not US Air Force) the time spent together will never be forgotten, I often look at pictures of that great experience with him.
Sadly enough today I learned of another brother lost in the line of duty, equally liked and loved by everyone around him. Deputy Sheriff Ned Byrd was gunned down by another coward.

Sgt Jose Velez, USMC
WCSO Corrections Officer (Prior) SJSO CCO (current)

August 12, 2022

I had just completed the police academy when this tragedy took place that night in that house. Your zone partner who was there backing you up returned fire as the coward fled through the front door! She stood up for you throughout the trial but soon left the job and eventually took her life along with her twin sister who was also a TPD Officer at the time of the incident. A tragic loss for everyone involved from the beginning to the end...

Former Deputy Sheriff
PCSO

March 20, 2021

Remembering Tampa Police Officer Porfirio Soto and his service to our nation and Florida. My thoughts and prayers are with his widow and son who surely continue to reflect on this tragic loss and how life changed this dreadful day in 1988.

Gary Howze, Director
Florida Office of the Attorney General

December 30, 2020

I took martial arts with "Pro" 1981 & 82 on Henderson Blvd. in Tampa, Fl. What a fine guy. I remember how shocked I was to hear of his passing. Pro, just popped into my mind tonight, 4/20/20.

Samuel S. Morgan
Fellow martial arts student

April 20, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Soto.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 29, 2019

Officer Soto,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO/former Marine

[email protected]
United States Border Patrol

December 30, 2018

You will never be forgotten my friend, The squad will never forget the night you were taken. We pray the good lord look over your family. It was an honor to serve with you, and know you left this world a better place. God bless you and your family.

RD Pemberton
Master Patrol Officer
Tampa Police Dept.
Retired
You may be gone my friend but your not forgotten, The squad will never forget. God bless

December 31, 2017

The day of your death changed my life forever. My Mom, a TPA cop's wife watched the news for hours until the suspect was arrested. My Dad didn't celebrate his birthday for over 20 yeats over guilt of ur death. I'm so sorry for your family loss. I would love if ur family would contact me. [email protected]

PO daughter
TPA

June 10, 2017

I remember Cpl Porfirio Soto, USMC, Joint Security Section, U.S. Central Command, MacDill AFB, FL 1985-1987. He was one the joint Service detail guarding the entrances to the command headquarters. He volunteered for parachute school. Just a few weeks after his return from Ft Benning he made his first jump under CENTCOM control. He was in a stick after mine. All "cherrie" jumpers were made to wear a red helmet. I was on the ground folding up my chute when I heard this loud blop about 10 feet from me. It was a red helmet. Porfirio had forgotten the lower his head going out the door and his chute knocked his helmet off. I looked up and here comes Porfirio sans helmet. I kidded him several times that he almost killed me. I heard after I retired that he had left active duty and joined TPD, but had stayed on with the Reserve Individual Mobilization Augmentation (IMA) detachment at CENTCOM. I heard he was an OJT in the Joint Intelligence Directorate, where I had been assigned.
I was saddened when I heard he was killed in the line of duty. A brave officer carrying out his duty.
Semper Fidelis!

Captain Steve Eklund, USMC (Ret.)

May 23, 2017

Today is 27 years that you left us. I wish you could see your baby boy who is now a grown man. He looks exactly like you, laughs like you, and is as wonderful as you. You can rest assure that he is the man you would have wanted to call son. We are as close with your family as ever, my daughter from my current husband calls your mom Abuela and loves her just as much. Your nieces and nephews are all amazing, your sisters are as beautiful as ever, and your mom has been an angel in my life. Thank you to all who have left such wonderful comments. May God bless you all!!

Carmen Soto
Wife

December 30, 2015

I think of Pro often. He was murdered on my birthday. Every year on that day I buy a bottle of Brandy or Scnapps , find a quiet place, and drink a toast to him and five other "brothers" whom I lost during my law enforcement career. I also pour some on the ground for each of them, in that time-honored tradition. There is much more to the story than they wrote above. For those of us who know the details I can truthfully say Pro was a man of courage and reacted heroically even after being shot. He is to always be remembered with love,caring and great respect. rest well, Pro.

Detective R.A. Nelson
Tampa P.D.

July 1, 2015

Today is your birthday. You would have been 52. Like I promised, your family is doing well. Just wanted all to know that you are and always will be an American Hero and you are missed. RIP my brother in blue.

Detective Miguel Tobar
NYPD Retired

February 23, 2015

Hope you resting in easy Officer Sotto. You are not forgotten my brother, I remember when this happened I was working in a police department north of Tampa. It was big news at the time to loose an officer. Condolences to your family. I pray they are doing well.

Corporal Presti-Ret.
Inverness Police Department

June 21, 2014

Officer Soto, you sir are not forgotten. May you continue to rest in peace.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

December 30, 2012

YOU WERE, ARE AND ALWAYS WILL BE A HERO TO EVERYONE YOU MET. YOUR BABY SISTER MISSES YOU DEARLY AND I MAKE THIS PROMISE TO YOU THAT I WILL ALWAYS TAKE CARE OF HER. UNTIL MY END OF TOUR. I NEVER HAD THE PRIVELEGE TO HAVE MET YOU BUT I KNOW A LOT OF YOU. I PROMISE I WILL NEVER LET ANYTHING HAPPEN TO YOUR FAMILY.

DETECTIVE MIGUEL A. TOBAR
NEW YORK POLICE DEPARTMENT

April 4, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Soto. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 16, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 23rd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

You will always be honored and revered as time never diminishes, I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I am sure that you are proud of your son for becoming a fine young man and your wife who raised him so well.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

December 30, 2011

Porfirio and I served together in the military and then entered into law enforcement around the same time. I will never forget how happy you were when you told me you were hired by TPD. I was so happy for you and I know that without a doubt you were doing what God designed you to do. We had many memories, but most importantly and especially as a fellow officer, I will never forget the ultimate sacrifice you made, you did it not for fame or money, but because of your love and dedication for your profession. Thank you for your service, and you and your family will never be forgotten. You made the world a bit safer for all of us on that fateful day. Most importantly I will never forget the great times we had and I will never forget the man you became. You left an incredIble legacy for your family and son. It's great to see the post by Carmen about your son. I am so proud of Carmen for raising such a good son. I also wanted to thank her for her sacrifice as well. I truly believe we will see each other again and I can thank you myself face to face. One day it will all make sense. I will continue to pray for your family and son forever.

Sergeant Evelio Perez
Manatee County Sheriff's Office

November 7, 2011

After so many years, I can still remember everything like it was yesterday. Today you have a 23 year old son, college graduate, healthy and happy. You would have been proud to call him your son. He looks so much like you, even some of his manerisms are you although he never really knew you. He has grown up to be everything and more you could ever wish for.

Carmen Soto-Martinez
Wife

July 19, 2011

22 years has passed but you live on in the hearts of your family and friends. Always remembered, never forgotten!!

Jennifer Neal
Sister of Detective Randy Bell EOW 05/19/98

December 30, 2010

Time does not heal the pain in your families hearts, but may they know that we will never forget their hero....

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

December 30, 2010

Porfirio and I were classmates at John D. Wells JHS 50 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn N.Y. I'm not surprised that he went on to protect and serve people because that is who he was, he cared. Next Year we'll be having a class of 78 reunion in Brooklyn where he'll be honored. You've paid the ultimate price by laying down your life and thank you for your service to the people of Tampa. We will miss you.

Master Sergeant (R) USAF Gil Sanchez
Friend/Classmate

August 4, 2010

I have missed you more than you will ever know. Today as 2fficers are laid to rest memories of that December night in 1988 come rushing back. Until we meet again, rest in peace "Pro".

former officer
HCSO

July 2, 2010

RIP

Anonymous

September 9, 2008