Nina Barrett Porter

Nina Barrett Porter passed away peacefully at her home on October 18, 2015, in Albuquerque at the age of 92.
Nina is survived by her daughter, Patricia and husband William (Bill) Hinds; grandchildren, Scott Grosso and wife Kim, Patrick Hinds and wife Tyler, and Sheli Hinds Armstrong; great-granddaughter, Addison Armstrong; daughter of her heart, Linda Wilson; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ray Porter; her son, Larry; her parents, O.W. and May Barrett; and 12 brothers and sisters.
Nina was born on February 17, 1923 in Almena, KS. She grew up in Ridgeway, Ouray County, CO where she graduated from Ridgeway High School. Prior to WWII, she met and married the love her of her life and local rancher, Ray Porter. Nina, Ray and Pattie moved to Albuquerque in 1956 from Ouray County, CO. She loved Albuquerque and knew it would be her home forever.
Nina became active in the Democratic Party in the 1960's, helping on many local and statewide campaigns. In 1970 she won the primary election for Bernalillo County Treasurer losing the general election by only 25 votes. Nina worked at the Juvenile County Probation Office from 1963 to 1965 counseling and preparing juveniles for court and probation. In 1965 she was employed by TWA in Albuquerque, working international tours and reservations. Traveling extensively, she was a "good will ambassador" talking to anyone who would listen about her wonderful New Mexico. A big career change came in 1972 when she began work for Sheriff Lester hay in the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office. For two years she was the Liaison Officer between District Court and the Sheriff's Office, her private office was located in the Court House. Her major career choice was still ahead when at the age of 52 and already a grandmother, Nina was sent by the Sheriff's Office to attend the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy in Santa Fe to become an Officer. Having completed all the requirements and physical tests, she graduated on January 15, 1976. Upon graduation she was promoted to full Detective in the Violent Crimes Division. Nina was the first woman put in charge of rape investigations for the county. Previously only men had investigated these crimes. The rape victims found it easier to relate and talk to a woman, and Nina had the compassion and calm approach they responded to. Later she was also put in charge of the Juvenile Division where she again excelled in her professional approach with juvenile offenders and victims. Numerous heartwarming letters were sent to her and placed in her personnel file, from former offenders, their families and crime victims praising and thanking her for helping them. Nina has become a role model for women through the years who desire a career in Law Enforcement, proving that a woman can achieve anything and at any age. Over the years she has been told by many women officers that she was their inspiration; if she could do it at age 52 then they could too. Her uniform, hat and badge are on display in a glass case in the lobby of the sheriff's office placed there by Sheriff Joe Bowdich. Nina retired as Sergeant in January of 1982 having worked for four sheriffs. She also served on task forces and boards representing the Sheriff's Office. Abused and Battered Women, Committee on Women, Youth Development, Inc., and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Crime Prevention Committee with Crime Stoppers founder Greg MacAleese. After retiring she reinvented herself once again becoming part owner and designer of a floral business with her daughter. Over the years she has been actively involved in serving the community she loves so much in many ways. She has remained active in the NM Democratic Party for four decades, serving as precinct chair; she served as a two year member on the Board of Directors for "Say No To Gangs" for Mayor Chavez; she has been an arbitrator for the NM Better Business Bureau; she was head volunteer for the NM AARP Criminal Justice Service, coordinating AARP chapters statewide to work with local law enforcement agencies to better protect retired people in their communities; and she represented NM at the National AARP Convention held in San Diego, CA. She has also taught classes for the AARP 55-ALIVE Program. In 2006, Nina was the honored recipient of the Governor's Award for Outstanding New Mexican Women for her trail blazing for women in law enforcement for the state of New Mexico.
Services will be held Saturday, October 24, 2015, 11:00 a.m., at FRENCH - Wyoming. Family and friends may visit beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Floral tributes are welcome; however, for those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Fraternal Order of Police, Albuquerque Lodge 1.




FRENCH - Wyoming
7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE
(505) 823-9400