Police Captain Retires After 27 Years

In the photo: Commissioners Gregory Davila, Jimmy Weekley and Mary Lou Hoover, Mayor Teri Johnston, City Manager Patti McLauchlin, Police Chief Sean Brandenburg, Capt. JR Torres, Vice Mayor Sam Kaufman, and Commissioners Clayton Lopez and Billy Wardlow.

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. Torres for his dedicated years of service, noting that, prior to 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.

Chief Brandenburg, in recognition of his outstanding service to the community, 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 that 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 Capt. Torres’s remarkable career and, in a long-standing joke around the station, noted that he was, indeed, 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 the service you’ve given to the community.”