Friday’s Heroes: Remembering the Fallen

 

Officer Jacai D. Colson, 28

Prince George’s County Maryland Police Department

March 13, 2016 – Officer Jacai Colson was shot and killed during a shootout at the police station where one man fired at police and passing vehicles while his brother filmed the incident.

Sadly, the shot that killed Officer Colson during the intense gun battle was fired by a fellow police officer.

Officer Colson was working an undercover assignment and was in plainclothes at the time.

Officer Nathan Taylor, 35

California Highway Patrol

March 13, 2016 – Officer Nathan Taylor was directing traffic at the scene of a vehicle crash when a car struck him while attempting to speed past the slow traffic. He was transported to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Officer Taylor is survived by his wife, three sons, parents, sister, and three brothers.

First Sergeant Joseph G. Portaro, 50

West Virginia State Police

March 14, 2016 – First Sergeant Joseph Portaro fell ill while participating in a fitness run at the training academy. He was transported to the hospital where he later passed away. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Patrolman David Ortiz

El Paso Texas Police Department

March 14, 2016 – Patrolman David Ortiz was on motorcycle patrol when a vehicle struck him from behind, pushing his motorcycle into the car in front of him and trapping him beneath it. He was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Trooper Thomas Clardy, 44

Massachusetts State Police

March 16, 2016 – Trooper Thomas Clardy was seated in his patrol car during a traffic stop when a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed suddenly swerved across three lanes of traffic and struck his car from behind. He was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to injuries received in the violent crash.

Trooper Clardy is survived by his wife and six children.