Torres remembered on 10th anniversary of his death

Date: 8/5/2022

WESTFIELD – Officers who knew Jose Torres widely describe him as a kind, compassionate man, and the epitome of a public servant.
July 26 marked 10 years since he was killed suddenly in the line of duty, accidentally struck by a dump truck while working a construction detail.

A police vehicle was parked in front of police headquarters, decorated to commemorate Torres, as the department has made a tradition each year since his death.

Police Chief Larry Valliere had known Torres for practically their entire lives, having attended kindergarten together, and working together for Torres’ entire career.

“He was a solid friend. He was just kind to everybody,” Valliere said of Torres. “He would do anything for anyone. What made him a compassionate police officer was his heart.”

Mayor Michael McCabe also knew Torres very well. Before he took office as mayor, McCabe was a captain with the Westfield Police Department. He was first appointed as an officer by the Police Commission on Feb. 11, 1985, right alongside Torres.

“He was truly one of those people who had an impact on their community just by their policing style,” said McCabe. “He was always a guy who understood what his role as a community servant was. Not a lot of people have that same empathy and compassion.”

On July 28, Skyline Beer Company hosted a fundraiser to celebrate Torres’ life and get people signed up to participate in the Ride to Remember on Sept. 3. The ride was established in 2013 in part as a tribute to Torres and fallen Springfield Police Officer Kevin Ambrose.

This year’s ride will only be 50 miles, rather than the 100-mile bike ride from Springfield to Boston that took place in most previous years. The local ride will consist of a route starting at the Irish Cultural Center in West Springfield and looping through nine other towns in the area and ending again in West Springfield. The Westfield contingent for this year’s ride is being organized by Capt. Stephen Dickinson.