Community Corner
CT, Firefighters Everywhere Say Goodbye To A Hero
The funeral of New Haven firefighter Ricardo Torres, Jr. was held Thursday and firefighters across the state honored his heroism.
NEW HAVEN CT — The state of Connecticut and first responders everywhere said goodbye Thursday to New Haven firefighter Ricardo Torres, Jr., 30, who died May 12 while battling a fire on Valley Street.
Hundreds of firefighters across Connecticut assembled in New Haven and beyond to pay their respects and honor Torres' heroism. Funeral services were held at St. Mary's Church in New Haven, and he was laid to rest in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford.
As @NewHavenFire & firefighters across America remember their fallen brother, let’s recognize the service & sacrifice of these men and women who protect us everyday. Rest In Peace, Firefighter Torres. pic.twitter.com/VVMMhVIw2p
— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) May 20, 2021
A somber day in New Haven - and all of Connecticut today - as a fallen hero is laid to rest. Watch the funeral services for Ricardo Torres Jr. live on the FOX61 News app. https://t.co/bBkuhI6aoU pic.twitter.com/fUNO4CaBiN
— FOX61 (@FOX61News) May 20, 2021
Torres and his wife Erica Martinez are parents of young son Oliver with Crew due to be born in August. The outpouring of support for Torres' family includes a GoFundMe campaign created the day he died by Patrick McGovern. To date, the appeal has more than $284,000 in pledged donations to help support his wife and sons.
Find out what's happening in New Havenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
NOW: Hundreds of firefighters from across the state gathering outside St. Mary’s Church in #NewHaven to pay their final respects to @NewHavenFire FF Ricardo Torres Jr., killed in the line of duty last week. @News12CT pic.twitter.com/CNZnf4mElY
— Lauren Fabrizi (@LaurenFabrizi) May 20, 2021
Truly a somber moment... pic.twitter.com/qHIrogbeYr
— Kyle Jones (@KyleJonesNBC) May 20, 2021
FIREFIGHTER FAREWELL Live coverage on @NBCConnecticut https://t.co/ejLURVGaip https://t.co/lYj7iT0PLx
— Caitlin Burchill (@newsyCaitlin) May 20, 2021
Firefighters are lining every overpass on I-91 between New Haven and Hartford, to show support for Ricardo Torres. @WTNH pic.twitter.com/W4SvNn8GkC
— Sarah Cody (@SarahCodyMedia) May 20, 2021
The @WallingfordfdCT is saluting firefighter Torres and shared this picture with @FOX61News pic.twitter.com/zx3x6ipPRi
— Keith McGilvery (@Keith_McGilvery) May 20, 2021
Right Now: The North Haven Fire Department is honoring the life of fallen firefighter, Ricardo Torres, Jr. @FOX61News pic.twitter.com/u3GPLEL3pU
— Keith McGilvery (@Keith_McGilvery) May 20, 2021
So good to see patriotism on display. Firefighters are lining up on every overpass from New Haven to Hartford honor of their fallen comrade Ricardo “Rico” Torres. #hero pic.twitter.com/wcFXHk2wdv
— Wendell D. Edwards (@WFSBWendell) May 20, 2021
Find out what's happening in New Havenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.