Fortuna Police Department promotes Justin Primofiore to Sergeant

Fortuna Police Department has announced the promotion of Officer Justin Primofiore to the rank of Sergeant effective February 18th.


Officer Primofiore is a life-long resident of Fortuna, and attended both Fortuna High School. He graduated from the Redwoods Police Academy in 2009 and was hired by the department a few months after that.

He has served in the department as School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, Range and Firearms Instructor, and K-9 Officer alongside Officer Nordy. Nordy will continue to be Primofiore’s partner.

When asked what he sees as his role in his new position, he said, “I want to instill a spirit of respect and professionalism among those with whom I work.  To treat everyone we come in contact respectfully.  And, at the end of the day to ensure that the officers that I supervise go home at the end of their shift.”

Primofiore was selected from among two extremely qualified, experienced candidates, according to Police Chief William Dobberstein. 

He adds, “It was a difficult decision and the recommendation of the two panels that interviewed the candidates was taken into consideration in the promotion process.”

 After passing the initial testing, the candidates appeared before an interview panel of civilian reviewers from the community; The second, professional panel was made up of Sergeants from Eureka Police, Arcata Police and the Sheriff’s Office.

Primofiore’s badge pinning ceremony is scheduled for February 28th at 2pm in the Fortuna City;Council Chambers.