Officer Jose Torres remembered - WFSB 3 Connecticut

Officer Jose Torres remembered

It was a somber day in Westfield as the community said goodbye to one of their own police officers.

Officer Jose Torres, a 27-year veteran, was laid to rest less than a week after he was killed while working on construction duty.

"I will forever miss him," said Officer Torres' wife, Kara. "I carry a very heavy heart and sadness with me today. I know he is standing with me, right beside me, helping me all the way."

Torres was a beloved father, husband and officer.

"Many of you will remember Jose as a police officer, a 27-year veteran described as an ambassador of the community, a hero and an exceptional person," said Westfield Police Captain Hipolito Nunez. "Jose was all of those, but most of all he was a man who loved life."

A sea of blue filled the streets during Tuesday morning's procession and officers from across the Commonwealth came together to remember their fellow brother.

Officer Torres was killed on Thursday while working a construction detail on Pontoosic Road. He was twice decorated for his heroism on the job but his fellow officers say his number one priority was always his family.

"The one thing that stands out behind anything else is the love he had for his wife Kara and his sons Jake and Chris," Nunez said.

And, even those who didn't know him felt it was necessary to come out and pay tribute to the man that devoted his life to helping others.

"I thought it was important that I be part of the support for his family," said Westfield resident Bill Carroll.

"Jose lived his life to its fullest each and every day I cannot find any other word to best describe Jose other than perfect," said Torres.

Officer Torres was laid to rest in Pine Hill Cemetery.

Copyright WSHM (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.