Remembering Elmo Portee Jr.-- One Year Later

Today marks one year since the death of Elmo Portee Jr.  He was struck and killed by an Allen County squad car.  That officer was found not responsible for the crash.  Portee's family and friends gathered at the crash scene this evening for a vigil.

 "Seeing all the love and support out here today its breathing life back into me," said Elmo's mother," Lucille Portee. 

"I don't think you ever come to terms with the fact that your children die before you do," said Carla Harrison," a friend of the Portee family. 

Portee Jr. died one year ago today at the intersection of Diebold and Dupont.  He was struck by an Allen County squad car responding to a call. 

"It is great to see so many lives that he touched and so many people who care and still care about him," said Portee. 

Micheal Gillespie is a paramedic with the Three Rivers Ambulance Authority. He explains what you should do to avoid an accident when you see those blaring lights in the rear-view mirror.  

"Gently pull over to the right and don't make any crazy maneuvers," said Gillespie. 

Gillespe says the way people are supposed to respond often differs from the way they actually do.  

"The reality is we see a lot of people not paying attention and we are behind them they panic, or they don't know what to do or they slam on their brakes," said Gillespie. 

Lucille says visiting the scene of the crash helps her move forward with her grieving and brings her closer to Elmo junior.

"Today covers up a black mark in my heart for this area," said Portee.