Sunday marked the final day in a 27-year career for Key West Police Capt. JR Torres.
At last week's City Commission meeting, Chief Sean Brandenburg, City Manager Patti McLauchlin, and the entire City Commission gave thanks to Capt. For his dedicated years of service, Torres noted that before his tenure with the police, he served the community as a paramedic for ten years. In total, Capt. Torres has served the Key West community for 37 years.
In recognition of his outstanding service to the community, Chief Brandenburg has been bestowed the honorary rank of Deputy Chief.
During his nearly three decades with the police, Capt. Torres has earned many honors, including the Medal of Valor, the Life-Saving Award, and several Chief's Commendations.
He served as a narcotics detective, K9 handler, and patrol officer. Ten years ago, he was promoted to Captain and served as Patrol Captain until his retirement.
"This has been the most rewarding and honorable thing I've done in my life," said Capt. Torres. "In my mind, there's nothing more rewarding than a person can do as a human being. That feeling you get when you put your head down at night knowing you have done right for others is priceless."
Chief Brandenburg recapped that in a long-standing joke around the station that Torres's remarkable career that he was the Chief's favorite Captain.
"Congratulations, JR, on an amazing career," he said.
At Wednesday's City Commission meeting, City Manager Patti McLauchlin presented Capt. Torres with a plaque honoring his service.
"We've worked together for 27 years," she said, "Through thick and thin. I'm very proud of your service to the community."
