Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Jose M. Torres

Chicago Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Tuesday, August 21, 1979

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer Jose M. Torres

Jose was one of my three partners on the beat car we were assigned in the Marquette 10th District. He was a good police officer and fun loving. I had many good times with him and knew I could depend on him as he with me. The three of us were a close-knit team. After he was killed, and his offender fled to Mexico not ever found I was assigned by the District Commander to cut the lock on his personal locker and allow his wife access. It was a truly intense experience. Little would I know that I would, later as a Sergeant, be directed to contact, pickup, and transport two wives to the hospital where their husbands laid critically wounded. I will always remember Jose with fond memories.

Sergeant Gordon Lohrman (Retired)
Chicago Police Department

November 11, 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)

August 21, 2020

Officer Torres,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Chicago. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

August 21, 2019

Hello, my condolences and prayers to fam , and the rest of the CPD

Chaplain Danny T.

December 20, 2018

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 34th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

March 19, 2013

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

Officer 11169

April 27, 2012

Thank you for your dedication to duty which led to you making the ultimate sacrifice. Please know the CPD will not allow your contribution to be forgotten.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

August 26, 2011

Thinking of you on this day. Thank you for your dedicated service to the citizens of Chicago. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer; Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

August 21, 2010

You have not been forgotten. Thinking of you today and all of your loved ones, continue to watch over all of them. You are a true hero.

Bob Gordon
Father of CPD Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

August 21, 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 30, 2007

Officer Torres,
On today, the 26th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Chicago.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

August 21, 2005

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.