Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We thank you for your service to the State of West Virginia. Never to be forgotten.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

June 3, 2023

Rest easy

Mark Mottola

March 14, 2020

First Sergeant Portaro rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 19, 2019

May GOD bless your soul and forgive u of all your sins.

Ken B Hillard
USAF.DD214 HONARABLE.

September 11, 2018

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

August 30, 2018

I am both humbled and honored to ride in memory of First Sergeant Portaro in Law Enforcement United’s 2018 “The Road to Hope” tour May 10th, 11th, and 12th, 2018.

In reading the reflections on this page of those who knew and served with the First Sergeant, he was truly one of the finest. His work ethic and dedication to the profession raised the bar for the rest of us.

Those assigned to train new recruits who are described by many as a “Cop’s Cop” encompass all things our profession needs to continue to protect and serve.

Rest easy Sarge, the brotherhood will maintain the watch. You and your family will never be forgotten.

“HONORING THE FALLEN AND REMEMBERING THE SURVIVORS.”

Sgt. David M. Bentz
Exeter Township Police Department
Traffic Safety Unit
4975 DeMoss Road
Reading, PA 19606
[email protected]

Sgt. David M. Bentz
Exeter Township Police Department

May 9, 2018

Rest in peace my brother.

Lieutenant Ray Flores (Ret.)
N.Y.P.D.

March 14, 2017

My his soul be taken into Heaven, and may his wife and three children have peace in their mind and heart knowing that Joseph's soul is now in Heaven.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police

August 26, 2016

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Sgt. Portaro died..

To the Portaro family, fellow officers, and all who call Joseph beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I know you will receive the same support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Sergeant Portaro gave to his community and the citizens of West Virginia, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 14, 2016.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

June 12, 2016

I had 1st Sgt. at the West Virginia State Police Academy as a basic officer in the 138th basic class. He was one of the most intelligent men that I have had the opportunity to get to know. His death investigation techniques were world class and I loved the times that I got to learn from him. Rest in Peace Sir. God Bless You and your family. Thank you for all that you have done for our State and the officers that you taught. Im sure that we all will remember the classes that we had with you.

Patrolman Brandon Willis
Winfield PD; Formerly with Kenova PD

May 21, 2016

I was a recruit under 1st Sgt. Portaro in 2010. At one of the most challenging academies in this country, 1st Sgt. Portaro was one of the few instructors to treat us with respect. In an environment designed to produce only the best, 1st Sgt. Portaro was the perfect balance to the rest of the staff. West Virginia only produces the finest officers but he was one of the elite best.

Detective Sean Sumey
Culpeper Police Department

April 27, 2016

I am a recruit from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and loved ones. I thank you for your service and dedication to law enforcement training.

Recruit Randy Tuyen
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

April 18, 2016

Thank you for all that you have done for our great state. Thank you for the training that you shared with so many officers.

Officer Brian Lawrence
Hamlin Police Department

April 6, 2016

God bless you my brother. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. May His healing hand touch your family, friends, and fellow troopers. Rest easy my brother, we'll take the watch from here.

Trooper Steve Olson
Michigan State Police

April 3, 2016

Rest in Peace, First Sergeant Joseph Portaro. Thank you for your service to this country and your community. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and your department at this time.

Chief Reuben C. Black
Barnwell Police Dept., Barnwell, SC

March 30, 2016

Rest in Peace our Brother in Blue. Prayers for all of your family, friends, and co-workers. God Bless you Officer.

Former Deputy/Jail Officer
Wayne County Sheriffs Department
Wayne County Mississippi

March 28, 2016

Joe-

I still am reeling at the news of your early departure. I remember well my first encounter with you during Cadet Class 51, WVSP, in 2003. You were a respite from the rigors of the insanity of the Academy lifestyle. Your death investigation class was the best we had in the curriculum.

Later, You, and Chad and I exhumed the remains on Snowy Road of Ebony Nicole Brown. Without your help her killers would not have faced justice. I will always remember that.

It's a damn shame that WVU Law School never got to see you as a student and graduate. You were a good ole boy; a Trooper, a Friend. Salt of the Earth, humble, respectable, and fair. Your legacy will live on. Haunt the classes to come with Legursky. I am proud to have known you, my friend.

Former WVSP Permanent ID 212

March 28, 2016

God, filled with mercy, dwelling in the heavens' heights,
bring proper rest beneath the wings of your Lord,
amid the ranks of the holy and the pure,
illuminating like the brilliance of the skies the soul of Joseph Portaro who went to his eternal place of rest.
May You who are the source of mercy shelter him beneath Your wings eternally,
and bind his soul among the living, that he may rest in peace. And let us say: Amen.

Bill Mann
Civilian Supporter
South Pasadena, CA

March 26, 2016

Rest in Peace My Brother in Blue.

FTO D. Vaquero
San Diego Police Department

March 23, 2016

My condolences

Civilian Robert Anderson

March 22, 2016

Thank you sir for your service and sacrifice. May the Lord comfort your family and fellow officers of the West Virginia State Police during this very difficult time. Rest in peace.

Special Agent
Dept. of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General-CID

March 21, 2016

Rest in eternal peace, brother, for we have the watch now. Your family and your brothers and sisters in uniform, our brothers and sisters, too, are in our thoughts and prayers. May they find comfort in remembrances of your dedication and service.

Deputy Warden Patricia Powers
Philadelphia Prison System

March 21, 2016

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest In Peace Sergeant Portaro. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to all of your family, friends, and brothers and sisters at West Virginia State Police.

Postal Inspector Scott Horne
U.S. Postal Inspection Service

March 21, 2016

God is with you now he said come forth my child and walk with me on the other side eternal life waits for you

Fire fighter Kyle Robinson
New hope fire

March 21, 2016

Rest in peace Sir.

P.O. (Ret) Donald Current
City of New York Police

March 20, 2016