DATELINE -- Florida Highway Patrol Cpl. Julio Torres was traveling southbound on Interstate 75 in Charlotte County when he witnessed a multi-vehicle crash. One of the vehicles involved in the crash smashed through the guardrail, overturned and entered a retention pond.
Torres dove into the water the water in an attempt to free and rescue the trapped occupant, even though there were alligators in the area. The trooper used a knife to cut the seatbelt and a crowbar to assist with extracting the unconscious male driver. Torres then administered CPR until emergency medical services arrived and transported the badly injured man to the hospital.
Unfortunately, the victim died a few days later due to the injuries suffered in the crash. Although Cpl. Torres’ life-saving efforts were not successful in the long-term results, his efforts greatly increased the victim’s immediate chance of survival, the FHP said in its nomination letter.
"Corporal Torres’ swift actions and brave efforts to serve the citizens of the State of Florida are commendable," Attorney General Bondi said of Torres' heroism. "He performed his duties as a first responder with no regard for his own safety, all in an effort to save another human being’s life in a dire situation, as many others stood by and watched. His service is an asset to the Florida Highway Patrol, as well as the citizens and visitors of the State of Florida."
"Corporal Torres’ swift actions and brave efforts to serve the citizens of the State of Florida are commendable," Attorney General Bondi said of the heroism displayed by Julio Torres. "He performed his duties as a first responder with no regard for his own safety, all in an effort to save another human being’s life in a dire situation, as many others stood by and watched. His service is an asset to the Florida Highway Patrol, as well as the citizens and visitors of the State of Florida. "
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