Wreath-laying for officer killed in Hedingham mass shooting
Good afternoon
On behalf of the Raleigh Police Department I would like
to welcome everyone in attendance to this wreath laying ceremony
to honor and remember Officer Gabriel Jesus Torres
Let us begin with an invitation from chaplain Joe Stevenson
One of our Raleigh Police chaplains
Police referenced this moment with heads bowed
Oh how excellent is your name and abundant of your
provisions We invoke your presence
Oh God for it is you who healed the broken
in our hearts and it is you
Oh God
Who binds up our wombs sanctify this moment that healing
and your power and your presence and provision would be
felt among us is in your holy name
We pray amen the presence of our own department's personnel
including the sworn officers professional staff and retired officers
Here today is a testament to the dedication our department
has in continuing to honor our fallen to any other
city employees or members of our first responder family
We extend our thanks for your support
The Raleigh Police Department would also like to thank and
recognize the Waken District pipe band for their continued participation
in these memorial ceremonies
We are honored to have some relatives of Gabe Torres
here today including his wife Jasmine and daughter Layla
And I would now like to invite Deputy Chief Rico
Boyce to say a few words
Good afternoon
It is my honor
It's my honor to be with you all today
In remembrance of all Gabriel Torres
Today's ceremony reaffirms the Raleigh Police Department commitment to remembering
our heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice
Chief Patterson wishes she could be here
But due to a prior commitment she can only be
here in spirit
She sends her love to you Jasmine Leila and the
entire Torres family
As we push for additional recognition for our brother Gabriel
We stand in solidarity in reflection of life of a
life of service and duty to the family of Officer
Torres
Thank you for being here and honoring us with your
presence to our elected officials here today
Thank you being with
Thank you for being with us and standing in solidarity
to our public safety personnel with us today
Thank you for your continued presence and support for those
that are watching online
We thank you for joining us as we honor Gabe's
life and service
His sacrifice would never be forgotten
And we proudly remember his courage for you
Yesterday marked the two year anniversary of that fateful day
October 13th 2022 will be remembered as one of the
worst days in our community's history
It was a day marked with sadness and grief but
it also was a day marked with heroism for on
this day a public servant started his day much like
he did every shift
He ensured his equipment and uniform were in order kissed
his family goodbye and was ready to make the drive
through the streets of Raleigh to report to his duty
station in the Northwest district
Except on this day he did not make it in
our hearts
We believe that the police officer and the marine and
him intended to stop the violence and prevent further harm
We believe that he tried to do what he was
trained to do
And as we continue to heal from this tragedy we
rely on the strength and gratitude of the Raleigh of
the entire Raleigh community
Today we remember Gabe's mental and physical fortitude his love
for his community and his love for his family
During his time in the academy Officer Torres often shared
words of encouragement at the right time in the right
way to fellow recruits who needed it
Officer Torres could always be counted on to leave a
person or situation better than he found it whether it
was a domestic violence call or a person in crisis
He always knew how to put a smile on on
people's faces
Even on their worst day
Officer Torres's squad described him as a hard worker a
dedicated husband and father and a proud marine always marine
steadfast and resilient
Today we commit to sharing in the same resiliency that
Gabe was known for
We continue to mourn our brother and pray for his
family
On October 13th 2022 Officer Torres left his home to
start the night shift without warning or provocation
A juvenile suspect shot and fatally wounded him and four
others and injured two additional victims including a fa fellow
Raleigh police officer
Let us all remember his sacrifice and acknowledge his his
unwavering commitment to helping others and honor his sacrifice
Thank you
officers I joke
Gabriel Torres
End of watch officer Gabriel Torres was shot and killed
in front of his home while leaving for work
Officer Torres was in his personal car on the phone
with his wife
When he heard gunshots in his neighborhood he hung up
the phone to investigate the source of the gunfire before
he could exit his car
The suspect opened fire on Officer Torres
Officer Torres succumbed to his injuries
A short time later Officer Torres was a US Marine
Corps veteran who served with the Raleigh Police Department for
18 months
He is survived by his wife and daughter
freezer
No how do you
thank you once again for attending today's ceremony and sustaining
the memory of officer Gabriel Torres
The Raleigh Police Department's mission of honoring the fallen and
inspiring the standing also includes remaining committed to those that
were left behind to the family members in attendance or
who may be watching online today
We thank you for joining us in continuing to remember
the service and sacrifice of your loved one
Let us conclude this ceremony with a benediction from chaplain
Stevenson
sevenfold benediction
The Lord bless you
and keep you the Lord make his face to shine
upon you and be gracious to you
The Lord turned his face toward you and give you
peace
Amen