Jose Torres Named MCSO 2025 Employee of the Year

Longboat Key residents learned today that Work Farm Inmate Crew Leader Jose Torres received the Manatee County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) 2025 Employee of the Year award. The recognition stems from his life-saving actions in May 2026, when he assisted a driver experiencing a medical emergency in Hillsborough County.

While returning home from work, Mr. Torres observed a vehicle crash while traveling northbound on US 41. He immediately pulled over and approached the driver, who appeared to be having a seizure. The driver became unresponsive shortly after Mr. Torres reached the vehicle.

Mr. Torres checked for a pulse and found none. With the assistance of another bystander, he safely extracted the driver from the vehicle. Both Mr. Torres and the bystander began CPR and continued their efforts until Hillsborough County Fire Rescue arrived and took over care. EMS transported the victim to a nearby hospital.

Hospital staff later confirmed the victim survived largely due to Mr. Torres's quick thinking and decisive actions. MCSO recognized Mr. Torres for his willingness to act without hesitation, courage, compassion, and service beyond the call of duty. Sheriff Rick Wells and Bealls Division Vice President of Loss Prevention Stephen Hall were present at the recognition.