Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Albert.

Thank you for your years of service to the City of Los Angeles and the Park Rangers. We have many memories over the years working on different assignments . Your tireless efforts will be greatly missed.

Rest easy my friend.

Sergeant Carl D. Holmes
City of Los Angeles Park Rangers

June 3, 2023

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

October 12, 2020

I’m deeply saddened , ashamed to find this out from the internet.

I knew Torres ( attended reserve academy with him at Rio Hondo Police Academy) and didn’t know or hear about his passing until going on line for information for a friend interested in the City of LA Park Ranger job.

I knew quite a few Rangers, some who have moved on to LAPD and other police depts ; their work was and still is vital to the Los Angeles community.

I also know that despite politics , the men and women who serve as Peace Officer Park Rangers like Albert NEVER stopped doing their jobs or backed away from deterring criminals in the parks, putting out brush fires, searching for lost hikers and kids, and teaching the community that we have something wonderful in nature to enjoy in our many urban city parks

God bless Albert and his family and our L.E Park Rangers...

Detective Mike Gentry
Los Angeles Airport PD

February 11, 2020

THE FINAL INSPECTION:

The Policeman stood and faced his God.
Which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining bright
Just as brightly as his brass
“Step forward now, Policeman,
How shall I deal with you?
Hove you always turned the other cheek?
To my word have you been true?”
The Policeman squared his shoulders and said
“No, Lord, I guess I ain’t
Because those of us who carry guns
Can’t always be a saint.
I’ve had to work most Sundays
And at times my talk was rough.
Because the world is awfully tough.
But I never took a thing
That wasn’t mine to keep…
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills just got to steep.
And I never passed a call for help.
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me.
I’ve wept unmanly tears.
I know I don’t deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fears.
If you’ve a place for me here, Lord,
It needn’t be so grand.
I never expected or had too much.
But if you don’t, I’ll understand.”
There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints often trod
As the Policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his God.
“Step forward now Policeman,
You’ve born your burdens well,
Come walk a beet on heaven’s streets.
You’ve done your time in Hell.”
Author unknown.

Officer Chad Miner
Powell Police department
Powell, Wyoming

November 29, 2019

Captain Torres,

May you rest in the arms of God and may God be with your family.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Det. Russ Cain
Pittsburgh PD

November 14, 2019

Dad. I was always so proud of you. Of course we saw a different side of your life which was away from being the fantastic Ranger you were and more along the lines of being a great father and husband. Seeing how many Rangers, officers and community members who loved you too was just outstanding. The entire family was just blown away by the amount of influence and love you received from everyone. We just never knew the extent as you were the most humblest man we knew. Your brother said that you had a light that shined from within you and that people always wanted to be around you. You saw the good in people, despite the situations at hand, and you were never scared to shine your light on them. You did so much good for people. Maybe none more so than for Shawn and I as you took us in as your own sons 33+ years ago. There was never a doubt on who our Dad was. And there was never a doubt as to who your Son's were from our perspective. I gotta say, I miss you terribly though. The void of not having you here with us, or not being able to get that Saturday call from you or to see you at a family function, or to just have that morning coffee with you at Mom's house watching Golf and hearing your work phone go off because another problems needs to be fixed my Captain Torres, brings a tremendous sense of despair to me. Mom, Elizabeth and Shawn plus your brothers and sister, your nephews and niece, and daughter in-laws are all having a hard time with you leaving us. It's a crushing feeling really from my perspective. I still cannot believe that you are gone. You were our rock. You were always the one worrying about other people and being strong for everyone else. Attempting to be as strong as you is very difficult. Your absence is frightening. It certainly brings my life into perspective for sure. I will forever honor you in any way that I can. You voice, advice and love resonates in me as I traverse this life until the day I'm playing a round of golf with you and Granddad in heaven. You were very much loved and you will never be forgotten. I hope some day I can bring some resolution in my soul with the loss of you. But I doubt it. It will always be missing that essential piece that I never even considered would ever be gone. Rest in peace Dad Albert. I love you. Make sure to go on some hikes with the family up there....

Brian
Son

November 10, 2019

Rest In Peace brother.

Corporal (Retired) Glenn Elliott
Temple Police Department--Temple,Tx

October 31, 2019

The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.

There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.
Author Unknown

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

October 30, 2019

On behalf of the Kentucky Peace Officers' Association please accept our condolences on the passing of Captain Torres.

Chip Nowlin
Kentucky Peace Officers' Association

October 30, 2019

Thank you for being such a great Mentor & Park Ranger. I could never thank you enough for all that you taught me while working with you. Los Angeles lost a true hero. May you Rest In Peace 1503 ❤️

Security Officer
Los Angeles Park Rangers

October 30, 2019

Captain TORRES was an inspiration and mentor to me. I met him in South Park and from the day I met him, he made a heavy impression on me. There’s only one other man in this world I instantly looked up to wanted to be like and that is my father. But CAPT TORRES is the second man I met that I wanted to be like. His funeral today reminded me to live my life like Captain TORRES and to enjoy every second. Captain TORRES has a song he like called, “fist full of dirt.” We can’t take anything with us except a fist full of dirt. Captain Torres, the short time you were in my life (only 7 months) you have made a huge impact on me. I wish I knew you much longer ago.

Sergeant II Ronald Kingi
LAPD Newton Division

October 29, 2019

RIP Captain Torres. Sincere condolences to his family and fellow colleagues for their tragic loss. Salute and Respect from the South African Police Service

Constable Tessa Le Roux
South African Police Service

October 26, 2019

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Albert died in the line of duty.

To the Torres family, fellow officers, and all who call Albert beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support. I know that that you will receive that same kind of support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Captain Torres gave to his community and the citizens of California and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 12, 2019.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

October 25, 2019

Rest In Peace Captain Torres.

Sergeant M. Fontaine
CDCR

October 23, 2019

Thank you for your service sir, GOD BLESS.

Mrs.C Singleton /Concern Citizen

October 23, 2019

Yours is a life served with dedication and rightful pride. You will be missed.

CalTrans Equipment Operator (retired) Ch
Calif State Departmen of Transportation

October 23, 2019

Thank you for your service, brother. RIP.

Lieutenant Brian J. Wills II
Oswego County Sheriff's Office
New York

October 22, 2019

Rest In Peace Captain.

Thank you for your service.

Detective D. Vaquero
San Diego Police Department

October 21, 2019

Captain Torres, I Thank you for your many years of brave service. May you now Rest in Peace, Sir at the feet of our most Heavenly Father. You deserve the best!

Mary Milam
Sergeant (Ret)
Chicago Police Department

Flowery Branch, GA

October 21, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother

james oneill
NYPD

October 21, 2019

Thank you Captain Torres for your hard work and dedication and for paying the ultimate sacrifice for the fine folks in the great state of California. You are a true American HERO. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers. May you forever rest in peace, my brother.

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sergeant Mitchell G. Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

October 21, 2019

Requiescat in Pacem

Police Officer Mike O'Connor
Branford CT PD

October 21, 2019

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God”. Matthew 5:9

Thank you for your service. May you rest in peace, my brother.

Retired Chief of police Jim Spratlen
Durango Police Department

October 20, 2019

My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Captain Albert Torres on their loss. May our Lord give them all the strength and comfort during this time of grief. Thank you fellow officer for your dedication and service to our nation and your community. Rest in peaceCaptain Albert Torres.

CBP Officer(retired), Luis Otero
Department of Homeland Security/Bureau of Customs & Border Protect

October 20, 2019

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"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 whose 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

Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

October 20, 2019