A Heartfelt Thank You From Officer’s Wife

(A letter from the wife of Angels Camp Police Officer Jared Poortinga, who lost his life two weeks ago in a traffic accident on Murphys Grade Road.)

I would like to take this time to thank everyone for their overwhelming support throughout our families most difficult time. I never knew that Jared was able to touch so many lives the same way he touched ours. The love everyone has shown for my husband and his family is truly remarkable. Jared will always remain in our hearts for he loved living life and loved all of you.

I would like to thank the City of Angels Camp and the Angels Camp Police Department, which is not just a place where Jared worked, but where he was able to be a part of an extraordinary family. As they too had to grieve for the loss of Jared, they pulled together and honored him in a way in which words cannot describe. I thank you for your strength, endless love and support during this time.

I thank all the agencies who worked together with the Angels Camp Police Department in the preparation for the wonderful tribute given to my husband Officer Jared Poortinga. Thank you to Sheriff Adam Christiansen and all those of the Stanislaus County Sheriff´s Department, Chief Richard Bull and officers of the Ripon Police Department, Modesto Police Department, Sonora Police Department, Escalon Police Department, both the Calaveras County Sheriff´s Department and California Highway Patrol San Andreas Office, Angels Camp and Altaville-Melones Fire Department, and to all of the other agencies that supported their fellow brother, I thank you for the overwhelming thoughtfulness and support it means more to me than words can say.

Thank you to Ripon and Escalon Fire Department for the beautiful Honor Arch at my husbands resting place. My heart was touched by the dedication you showed to a fellow public safety officer.

Thank you to pastor Fred Moore for his ongoing support and direction for myself and my children as we try to move forward. I thank you for your love for Jared and the guidance you have given his son. You have truly been a blessing to my family.

Thank you to all of you who honored Jared he was a great man and his legacy will always remain in our hearts. Blessings come in so many ways but the nicest come as friends. Words cannot adequately express how much all of your thoughts, prayers, flowers, cards, words, support, contributions and raising of funds mean to my family.

I appreciate the ongoing support of the community, the Angels Camp Fire Department, local businesses, Bret Harte High School Football Team, the entire City of Angels Camp, and all neighboring communities. My heart is overwhelmed by the love and support you have shown to us then and now.

My thoughts and prayers are with Ann Kemmer and all of those who knew and loved my husband. I pray that amongst this tragedy you will be able to begin healing and find peace in the days to come. I say this because, I know my husband would have hoped this for all of you.

Sincerely grateful,

Susan Poortinga and children Jared Poortinga, Matthew Poortinga and Kaylee Poortinga