Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Torres,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of DeKalb County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
[email protected]

September 13, 2023

Hello Bro!!!! It never crossed my mind to leave a reflection here until today. But that doesnt mean you arent an ever present part of my heart.

In the academy, you were usually right in front of me during our formations and I still remember you flipping me the bird while in the position of parade rest, after I teased you about something. Like Bert calling you unruly for the thick mustache extending over your top lip. Lolol.

After graduation, you and I were the only two in the entire class to get sent to morning watch (11p-7a). We were both supposed to go to South but I got pulled last minute to go to East. We would often KDT (mobile data terminal) each other during the night because cell phones werent common then. Being rookies, it was calming having a classmate to chat with.

On that tragic night you left us, East radio switched over to South radio as was done every night around 3 or 4am. I remember the call you were dispatched to and the last time hearing your voice as you cleared that call. It was unnerving when they tried to locate you. And once they did, the shocking announcement and eventual 10-42 (end of shift) given by radio was even more shocking. I immediately went to a classmates home to inform him and broke down crying upon doing so. I also remember accompanying Chief Burgess and other staff in breaking the news to Mrs Torres. I will never forget that day and will never be able to imagine the pain she endured.

I am indeed late leaving my reflection. But let me say this. For months after you passed, I was seriously hurting inside. I kept your picture in my unit whenever on duty, always thought about you, and frequently visited your grave site. Even in my final year before retiring in 2021, I still visited your grave site and paid my respects. That wont be my last visit either. You will always be in my heart and never ever forgotten bro. Love you! 5-6!

Retired Jamil Favors
Dekalb Co. Police Dept. 56th Academy

November 22, 2022

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 13, 2020

007 Forever!
Brother in blue. I was thinking if you fondly tonight. I still carry you with me on the street. Miss your smile and sense of humor.

Sgt. Christopher Walsh
Long Beach Police Department

June 6, 2020

Rest in peace my brother.

Lieutenant Raymond Flores
NYPD (retired)

September 16, 2018

Tonight for some reason I thought about you Torres, Blake was right we were all together for 23 long rough weeks with Bert and kinda gave Hackett the blues when Bert had to leave only to pay for it the next day...56 Academy was a close knit group of people and 60's 70's morning watch was even closer...... Ive been close to where you are now as i also 41'd on morning watch but I guess it just wasn't my time to go... I remember meeting your family at your reside the day of your accident and still trying to awake from a dream that was some how reality.....i know you watching down on this 56th class as well as all dekalb officers... see you one day my brutha..

Chatmin#1955
dekalb

January 18, 2016

I will always remember my high school friend. We were the 3 musketeer , it was me , Jeff and Vern. I still have the prom pic we took and will alway be your friend. Till we meet in heaven my friend. I know you Jeff and Ilene are causing trouble up there.

Sargent Frank Melian
USMC friend

August 15, 2015

14 years ago today you left me......and forever changed my life. Myheart is still breaking over such a devastating lost.
Rick, your memory will forever remain with me and in my heart "FOREVER".
I know you are in a great place and at the end of the day, you did it your way.....

Cameal Torres-Kenneybrew

September 13, 2012

14 years ago today you left me......and forever changed my life. Myheart is still breaking over such a devastating lost.
Rick, your memory will forever remain with me and in my heart "FOREVER".
I know you are in a great place and at the end of the day, you did it your way.....

Cameal Torres-Kenneybrew

September 13, 2012

About this time in 1998 we were graduating academy. I look at our graduation pic, on a regular basis, I an Rick side by side as we were much of the time in academy. Still think of the guy often. That will never change. And I know he is in peace with the Lord.

Alan Blake
Prior DKPD

July 19, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Torres. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 25, 2012

I went to High School with Rick in Freeport, NY. I was saddened to recently find out thet he had passed. I hadn't been aware that he had become a police officer. Rick, you were one of a kind and I still tell one particular story where you cracked us all up in the classroom. God bless you and your family, and keep a lookout for the rest of your brothers and sisters in blue.

Detective Christopher Walsh
Long Beach Police Department

February 10, 2012

It's a Beautiful Saturday afternoon. I'm sitting on my back deck and suddenly I hear you say "lets go to the city (Manhattan)l". The thought of you became so overwhelming that I had to pull out your pictures and videos. I laughed and cried all at the same time because of your crazy antics and the fact that at one time you were actually "007" or so you thought. I know you are still here with me and and I love and miss you always.

007 lives forever....

cameal Torres-kenneybrew
Spouse

October 15, 2011

I grew up with Ricky in Freeport, NY. He was a good kid growing up, that turned out to be a excellent Son, Brother, and Friend. He had a smile that you had to notice from a far, Ricky you will always be missed by all of us that knew you.
13 years already, and it seems like yesterday.

Marisol de Jesus
Family Friend

September 20, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 11th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.


Rest In Peace

Anonymous

September 17, 2009

11 years ago today I received the devastating news that would change my life forever. At times it seems like yesterday,I know for a fact I will never forget you "RICK"
You are such an inspiration to me and even though my life has changed considerably on days like today it's almost as if nothing has changed and I'm still expecting you at home soon. I miss your irresistible smile,your off beat sense of humor and most of all the great Man and Husband you were. I thank god each and everyday for allowing me to experience one of his most precious children if only for a short period of time. You are Missed and will NEVER be FORGOTTEN.

love Cameal Torres-kenneybrew

Anonymous

September 13, 2009

I met Officer Torres' sister tonight and she is a testament to a good citizen. She is very supportive of law enforcement and it is good to know that we have people like her and her husband worrying about and supporting us. She still remembers the sacrifice of her brother and honors his memory by her character.

Sgt. D.M. Burdette
Greenville Police Dept. (SC)

April 26, 2008

Hey Ricky! I just wanted to drop a few lines to let you know that you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. When I think about what happened it just saddens me. So much has happened in my life since your death. I am a father now and i was recently promoted. Rick god bless you and your family. Adios amigo.....

Sgt. A. Toledo
DeKalb County Police

April 16, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 23, 2007

hey ricky man just wanted to say thank you for the memories you left us. i pray for you and your family. God Bless

mpo k.d. mcneil
dkpd

February 1, 2007

May you Rest in Peace.

September 13, 2006

I stood beside Torres in academy for 23 tough weeks. Got to know him well.... still miss him to this day.
DKPD 1952 "Radar" Blake

Det. Blake
Lawrenceville PD

July 11, 2006

I was just thinking of you in the recent loss of Step who you knew well. You really were all that an officer should strive to be in their profession and life.

Sgt. M.D. Zimmerman
DKPD

July 3, 2006

Hey Ricky,
The last few years I have been part of the Officer's Memorial Dedication. I got to carry your name one year and was part of the 21 gun salute this past May. I just wanted to let you know you and your family are still thought of. You are still very much missed.

MPO F.V. Cusimano
Dekalb Police 56th academy

June 6, 2006

Thank you for your service Officer Torres.

January 28, 2006