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Indiana Conservation Officer Death Announcement

Last updated on Tuesday, January 23, 2018

(UNDATED) - It is with very heavy heart that the DNR Law Enforcement Division Director, Lloyd Arnold, his staff, and all Indiana Conservation Officers, report the untimely passing of Major Michael Portteus.

"Our agency is shocked from the loss of one of our leaders. I thank all of our citizens, friends, fellow law enforcement agencies and DNR colleagues for their thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. We continue to pray for the peace of his family, the entire DNR family and for our family of officers", stated Arnold.

Major Michael Portteus died after working for the DNR for nearly 35 years. The DNR said Portteus' passing was "untimely," but didn't offer details about what happened. It's not clear if his death occurred while he was working.

Portteus was hired as an Indiana Conservation Officer on August 14th, 1983 assigned to Dearborn County. He was transferred to Jefferson County on September 1, 1992 and again to Greene County in 1992.

On September 16, 2001 he was promoted to Lieutenant of records and communication for the DNR Law Enforcement Division. He was promoted to Captain on August 16, 2004 and promoted again to the rank of Major on June 5, 2011.
Major Portteus was the recipient of the Indiana Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Law Commendation and Medal in 1998, the Director's Leadership Award in 2003 and 2007 and the Governor's Award for Excellence in Service in 2007.

Major Portteus received a Letter of Appreciation for Exemplary Performance for his lifesaving efforts while assisting a motorcycle accident victim in 2015.

Indiana Conservation Officers will never forget the 34 years of faithful and exemplary service of Major Michael L. Portteus, and he will be sorely missed.

Major Portteus's obituary and funeral arrangements can be found here.

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