Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service. Prayers for your Family & Dept.

Detective Monica Veney
Baltimore City Police Department

March 15, 2016

So sorry to hear of Joseph's Passing.
Lord Bless Our Law Enforcement People & Families with good health.
My Family sends Tearful Condolences to Joseph'sFamily , Friends, Department, Community, & Country.
Thank you Joseph for your Unselfish Service & Investment in Others.
RIP Joseph, Son of Valor , with Honor.
Gone from our Arms ... Forever in Our Hearts ...

Ms. Karen Morgan, Psy & LE Grad.
Eagles Wing Baptist Church, SD

March 15, 2016

On behalf of a grateful nation and community, please accept our heartfelt love and condolences during this difficult time. You are never alone through this journey; God sees you and loves you always.

Sgt. Jason & Mrs. Christy Brake
Denver Police Dept.

March 15, 2016

The National Police Wives Association would like to extend their heartfelt prayers to the family of Sergeant Portaro and the West Virginia State Police during this time. Thank you, Sergeant Portaro, for your service.

Administration
National Police Wives Association

March 15, 2016

RIP Sergeant Joseph G. Portaro.
Thank you for your service.
Condolences to family & friends.

Sgt. Randy Keenan (Ret)
City of Alameda, CA Police Dept.

March 14, 2016

may HIS light shine perpetual upon his face

Chief Jim Allen (Retired)
Mobile County Child Support Enforcement
Mobile County, Alabama

March 14, 2016

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

March 14, 2016

First Sgt Portaro, may you rest in peace our brother. You will never be forgotten.

Sgt Richard Eckert
Town of Chester Police Dept

March 14, 2016

On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of First Sergeant Joseph Portaro and the extended law enforcement family of the of the West Virginia State Police.

End of Watch: Wednesday, Monday, March 14, 2016.

Rest in Peace brother and watch over us.

I fight not for glory or fame, for they are momentary. I fight for those who can't. I fight for Justice. I fight for the oppressed and the down trodden. And if I should lose my life for these just causes, then I have no regrets, For I serve to protect the innocent. It matters not where or when, for evil knows no boundaries. Be it fire, flood, or the threat of tyranny, I will not flee. Justice is my weapon. Faith is my shield. Hope is my armor. Cry not at my passing, for it was my Honor to fight for you. Shed not tears of sorrow, But tears of joy, for now, I stand with God.

By Jon F. Hooper

"Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

March 14, 2016

Rest easy sir we have the watch from here. I pray that God will bless your family and friends.

Heather
None

March 14, 2016

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO! May God
Give the family and friends the strength and faith to deal with this tragic loss. Words can not express my sorrow!

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright BMI © 1993 - All Rights Reserved

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 14, 2016

My prayers and respect to you and your family and co-workers. May God welcome you into paradise with open arms.

K-9 Trooper D Osborne
Tennessee Highway Patrol

March 14, 2016

Rest in Peace Sergeant.

"Blue Lives Matter"

Steve Van Slyke retired K9 handler
El Cajon Police Department

March 14, 2016

God bless Sergeant Portaro's family, friends and coworkers and give them strength and peace to get through their grief and pain. Thank you for your service brother.

Sergeant Clark O. Parry
Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office, New York

March 14, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with family, friends and fellow officers. Thank you for your service. May he Rest in Peace!

Ret. Deputy Sheriff's Tom and Diana Stri
Clayton County Sheriff Office Jonesboro Ga

March 14, 2016

A Prayer for First Sergeant Joseph G. Portaro:

Lord God, you are always faithful and quick to show mercy. Our Brother-in-Blue, First Sergeant Joseph G. Portaro, of the West Virginia State Police, was taken from us suddenly in the Line-of-Duty. Come swiftly to his aid, have mercy on him, and comfort his family, friends, and colleagues by the power and protection of the Cross. Heavenly Father, as we mourn the death of our Brother-in-Blue, First Sergeant Joseph G. Portaro, show us the immense power of your goodness and strengthen our belief that he has entered into Your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." [Matthew 5:9]

Pastor Steven R. Closs, MNACM
The Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Merrimack, NH 03054
Chartered by the National Association of Christian Ministers
"Prayer Warriors: We Fight on Our Knees!"

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department

March 14, 2016

So sadden for your loss. My deepest sorrow for you family and fellow officers.

May God support you and your family during this time of loss. We all support you.
B.Umbenhower
D.A.V. Chapter 11
Springfield Mo

March 14, 2016

Rest in peace Brother....My thoughts are with your family, friends, and the members of the WVSP during this most difficult and tragic time.....

Lt. Joseph Ward, Ret
Jackson, NJ PD

March 14, 2016

RIP brother Joseph.

May God bless and be with your family, co-workers and friends at this very difficult time.

Inv. Bevenour
Gettysburg Police Dept.

March 14, 2016

Losing Sergeant Portaro is a terrible loss for law enforcement throughout West Virginia. It is a loss for those has trained and served with as well as a loss for those that he had yet to teach. He instructed many of us in the fine art of Crime Scene Investigation and was one of the finest instructors at the West Virginia State Police Academy. He will also be remembered as a kind man, a fine officer, and an excellent investigator second to none. Rest easy sir we'll take it from here.

Sr. Deputy R. P. Howard
Grant County Sheriff's Department, (144th Basic Class WVSPA)

March 14, 2016

God Bless You, Your Family, & Friends Thank you for your unselfish service.

James P. Waggle
Civilian

March 14, 2016

Rest in Peace...

Detective
Syracuse Police Dept, New York p

March 14, 2016

Avenue of the Fallen

Standing at attention in their class “A“uniforms, badges gleaming and shoes like glass, are your brothers and sisters of Law Enforcement. All of whom have previously paid the ultimate price.
Today, like many others, they welcome you to this wonderful place.
As you march down the Avenue of the Fallen, all eyes focus on you as if to say “it’s OK, you’re with your eternal partners.”
A salute is followed and a tear can be seen on so many faces.
Welcome, you served well.
Now come join us in the ranks, another is coming home.
Officer Jim Weaver (#11452) Los Angeles Police Department retired
12-25-2010

Officer Jim Weaver (#11452) Los Angeles
Retired Jerome County, Idaho Sheriff

March 14, 2016

RIP Sir, your watch is over, and you preformed well. Your brother and sisters will take over your watch from here. We thank you for your service Sergeant Portaro, may GOD grant peace, and may HE give comfort to your family, in and out of uniform.

Deputy J. Porter. ( Retired )
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Az

March 14, 2016

Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. Rest in peace sir.

Corporal M.Z. Hassen
South Carolina Highway Patrol

March 14, 2016