When he was still a relatively green police officer in his 20s, current Bridgeport Police Chief John Walker remembers fondly how a family from Clarksburg looked after his children at times as he and his wife Terri were getting started as a young couple. That family so ready to help was headed by Benjamin Portaro and his wife, the late Claire Portaro.

 

The legacy of kindness and being good to others was obviously passed on to their son Joseph "Joe" George Portaro, who was known fondly as “Jody” as he grew up in the North View section of Clarksburg and later graduated from Liberty High School. And that same legacy was recognized this afternoon at the FBI’s CJIS Facility during a memorial ceremony in honor of Fallen West Virginia Law Enforcement Officers.

 

The younger Portaro was the focal point for today’s event. The First Sergeant with the West Virginia State Police passed away March 14 while engaged in a physical fitness training exercise at the State Police Academy. Portaro, a 17-year veteran of the State Police who started with the Nutter Fort Police Department, was 50 years old.

 

“Joe’s parents babysat our children form the time they were born. I was working and my wife was working and they treated my kids like their own grandkids,” said Walker of Joseph Portaro’s parents. “They took my kids fishing and hunting and got them used to the outdoors and life in general and I think they helped them be the people they are today … To have a family like that be able to help raise your kids was truly a blessing.”

 

Walker and Portaro ended up in different parts of the law enforcement family after entering the field at nearly the same time. The Bridgeport Police Chief said that even though he started his career prior to that of Portaro, Portaro was someone that he always looked up to.

 

“He’s been an inspiration to me and my family. He helped me to be the guy I am today,” said Walker. “Today’s ceremony was touching and emotional. I’m honored that they honored Joe and his family like they did.”

 

While the ceremony paid tribute to 206 West Virginia officers who have died while on duty, CJIS Assistant Director Stephen L. Morris made certain to also recognize the dozens of the FBI Special Agents that gave their lives in the line of duty. Morris directed the ceremony that was held inside the complex on Custer Hollow Road due to inclement weather.

 

“We draw more than inspiration from the men and women who gave their lives. We also draw hope,” said Morris.

 

Morris gave a synopsis of Portaro’s life, from his time growing up in Clarksburg to his final duties with the State Police. He then called on Captain D.E. Johnson of the West Virginia State Police, a personal friend of Portaro, to deliver the keynote comments.

 

“During his tenure, he got his Associate’s Degree, attended the FBI National Academy and Forensics Academy. Joe wasn’t someone to sit on his laurels on not try to better himself,” said Johnson.

 

Johnson talked how Portaro not only moved up the ranks, but how he was actively involved in numerous facets of the State Police branch of law enforcement. He eventually would up as the Deputy Director of Training, where Johnson said to no one’s surprise that Portaro took that seriously on a professional and personal front.

 

“He participated and completed the Canaan Valley Highlands Sky Run. I stress the word completed because if anyone is familiar with this run it’s a 40-mile trail through Canaan Valley and the Monongahela Forest. When we do our mile and a half run, I think that’s a lot. I’m not sure how you even train for a 40-mile run,” said Johnson as he recalled his friend’s need to be in top physical condition.

 

Johnson said while Portaro was excellent in his job as training director, he excelled also in teaching young men and women on the law enforcement career path beyond just the physical aspect of things. He said Portaro trained hundreds of officers, including six State Police cadet classes, and 32 basic officer classes.

 

“During the academy, he was much more than an instructor. He was an even-tempered staff member who after (the cadets) had just endured a ‘pep talk’ that would swoop in, take them aside, let them know everything was going to be all right and boost their confidence back up,” said Johnson. “I know this for a fact. I know officers who said flat out that if it wasn’t for Joe they would have left (the academy).”

 

Walker echoed those same comments.

 

“He was an inspiration to all the officers that went to the academy. There were people that were ready to leave the place and Joe would get them to the side and let them know that this would lead to a good life and a good, positive career if they stayed,” said Walker. “He showed those young men and women compassion and that he cared. I think he saved a lot of them from leaving and I know you would find many that would tell you that.”

 

Following comments from Johnson and the second of two musical selections by the FBI CJIS Choir, a presentation of the United States Flag by the FBI Police Honor Guard was given to his father Benjamin and his wife Sharon. Together, Joe and Sharon Portaro had three children.

 

After the flags were presented to the family members, a 21-gun salute was done outside of the FBI facility and streamed inside the auditorium. That was followed by a trumpet performance of Taps by South Harrison High School’s Joshua Empoules.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Bridgeport Police Chief John Walker with Joseph Portaro's father Benjamin following today's ceremony. Second photo shows CJIS Assistant Director Stephen Morris receiving flags from the Honor Guard, while the same Honor Guard presents the colors. In the fourth photo State Police Captain D.E. Johnson addresses the crowd. Bottom photo shows the display honoring Portaro.