Deepest condolences to the West Virginia State Police and the Portaro family.
WEST VIRGINIA STATE POLICE
PRESS RELEASE
Office of Public Affairs
Lieutenant Michael Baylous
Telephone: 304-746-2198
South Charleston, West Virginia – It is with deepest regret and sorrow that the West Virginia State Police announces the unexpected death of First Sergeant Joseph G. Portaro (50 years of age, a native of Clarksburg, West Virginia). He was a 17 year veteran of the West Virginia State Police and assigned to the West Virginia State Police Academy as the Deputy Director of Training.
Early this morning, First Sergeant Portaro suffered a medical emergency while participating in a physical fitness training routine near the grounds of the West Virginia State Police Academy. He was transported to Thomas Memorial Hospital in South Charleston where he was pronounced dead.
First Sergeant Portaro, a 1987 graduate of West Virginia University, enlisted in the West Virginia State Police on October 26, 1998. Upon his graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to the Kingwood Detachment. In 2008, he was assigned as a Staff Officer to the West Virginia State Police Academy.
Any questions or requests for interviews should be directed to Lieutenant Michael Baylous at 304-746-2198.
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