THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, January 24, 1996 TAG: 9601230084
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
FIRST ROBERT PORTI found Smithfield, a town he and his wife fell in love with when they visited during the Olden Days festival last year.
Then he found his ideal job, in Smithfield.
If you see a new cop on the streets these days, it's probably Porti. He began patrolling in September.
He comes to the town after serving six years with the Air Force security police on the South Pacific island of Guam and his two final years at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton.
And through those years, he says, he understood that law enforcement was the career for him.
``It was all I knew, and it was all I really wanted to do. Every day there's a different set of circumstances, and that governs what you do for the day.''
Porti says he has been impressed with Smithfield's small-town atmosphere.
``When a Smithfield person asks you how you're doing, they wait to get an answer. They really want to know.''
A certified rescue diver while stationed on Guam, Porti is joining the Police Department's scuba team.
``Diving is a hobby that I really enjoy,'' he said.
Name: Robert Porti
What brought you to Isle of Wight County? The military brought me to Hampton Roads.
Birthdate/hometown: Oct. 27, 1970/Evans City, Pa.
What's your fondest childhood memory? High school sports. I lettered in football and wrestling.
Marital status and children: Married, no children.
Pets: One dog.
What was your first job/worst job? Produce clerk/same.
Occupation: Law enforcement.
If you had a choice, what other type of work would you be doing today? None.
What's your favorite hangout? I haven't developed one. Just home.
Favorite night out on the town? Dinner and a movie with my wife.
Favorite food and drink: Baked ziti and Irish cream-flavored coffee.
Favorite movie/TV show: ``Navy SEALS''/``Home Improvement.''
What's your idea of a perfect vacation? A dive trip to Australia.
I can't resist: Homemade bread.
Few people know that . . . I am a rescue scuba diver.
Most embarrassing moment: Pictures from basic training.
If you won the lottery, what would you do? Buy a house with a large amount of property.
What is the best advice you've ever been given? ``Don't believe that there's never enough time to do something right. There's always enough time to do it again.''
What do you think is the best thing about yourself? Both feet are firmly on the ground.
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would it be? The inventor of Microsoft, Bill Gates. He's done something that affects everyone's personal life for the better, and he's also rich.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Being a police officer. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
by CNB