MCSO Crew Leader Saves Crash Victim, Employee of Year

Jose Torres, an inmate crew leader at the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Work Farm, saved a driver's life after a crash on US 41 in Hillsborough County in May, earning him the sheriff's office 2025 Employee of the Year award.

Torres was driving home from work when he witnessed the crash. He pulled over, found the driver unresponsive and seizing, checked for a pulse and found none. With help from another bystander, Torres extracted the driver from the vehicle and began CPR. The two continued until Hillsborough County Fire Rescue arrived. Emergency medical services transported the victim to a hospital, where he survived.

Sheriff Rick Wells and Bealls Division Vice President of Loss Prevention Stephen Hall presented the award to Torres for his quick response and willingness to act without hesitation.