SAN ANTONIO — On Wednesday night, a fallen Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) deputy was honored.
Meredith Portillo was killed in a head-on crash last weekend. The off-duty detention worker was on her way home when a wrong-way driver slammed into her car.
Dozens of people gathered for a vigil at Brauning Lake Park in Elmendorf, not far from where the deadly crash happened.
“She was a powerful, strong, independent woman,” said Cindy Portillo, Meredith’s mother. “There’s not many women that are in law enforcement. So, to see a lot of her deputy friends here today and how strong they are… Because it’s hard in [the jail]. We will miss her so much. My heart hurts, but I know she has touched a lot of people.”
The 20-year-old deputy was enjoying a night out with two friends on Saturday. Loved ones say they rode scooters and stopped for burgers and donuts downtown before heading back to Elmendorf.
Just a few miles from home, Meredith’s Mustang was hit head-on by a pickup truck.
Meredith was killed, along with her friend, Koree Alcoser. Her other friend, Hailey Adams, was seriously hurt.
“The night Meredith died, I was with her,” said Shanette Baxley. “She came to my house and got some makeup. I recently went into her room, and I could tell she had used the makeup she got from me the night she passed away. I just kind of felt bad, I should have told her to stay at my house. I feel like she would still be here if I told her to stay home with me; that’s the only thing that’s messing me up. But she was always there for me when I was going through something. She was so positive. She was so proud of her Mustang, she only had it for a few months and worked so hard for it.”
Family and friends remember Meredith as a "dedicated worker" who made inmates feel worthy.
“She turned her job into a ministry,” said Rachel Alonzo, Meredith’s aunt. “She encouraged so many inmates. I have a sister in Christ whose daughter was an inmate for four months. She cried and said Meredith had a huge impact. [Meredith] told inmates even though are [in jail], they are someone and they have value. Meredith cared and listened.”
As loved ones lifted up prayers, some found a sign in the clouds. Cindy couldn’t help but think an angel was watching over them.
“I don’t wish this on any mother,” said Cindy. “But I am not going to say, ‘Goodbye.’ It’s, ‘Until we meet again.’”
The Portello's also prayed for the family of the wrong-way driver who was killed in the crash, 28-year-old Jorge Luis Pargas Jr. They are now working with a local councilman to install more flashing lights and 'Wrong Way' signs along I-37.