Oswego Resident 'A True Hero'

OSWEGO, IL — As the popular adage goes, heroes don't always wear a cape. But when tomes are tough, they emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from Gloria Torres of Oswego, who nominated Ray Torres:

Where the nominee lives:
Oswego

Where the person who nominated the hero lives:
Oswego

Name of the nominee:
Ray Torres

Name of the person who nominated the hero:
Gloria Torres

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?
Yes

What does the nominee do for work?
Firefighter/First Responder

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
Ray has been a first responder for Aurora Fire Department for 22 years. We cannot undo the things he sees, the things he hears or feels. His stories are traumatic, gruesome and stressful. PTSD is real for firefighters. They feel helpless at times. He is a true hero amongst other fellow firefighters, healthcare workers, policemen and others. Firefighters are away from the family for 24 hours, sometimes 48. They don’t think twice about entering a burning building, saving lives at an accident scene or saving people who suffer an illness. They do not think twice about assisting all those suffering from this ugly disease (Covid-19). They see families in desperation when their loved ones can’t breathe or when people take their own lives. They are potentially endangering their lives and the lives of their families due to this monster. They have to eat, sleep and reside while working with others outside of their homes which puts them at double risk. They come home tired and worried. They grieve when people cannot be saved. They carry this burden that nobody sees and feels. My true Hero is my husband. He has saved many lives as a Paramedic/Firefighter, and he deserves some recognition as well as other first responders!

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:
A true hero in our eyes, however in his eyes he is just doing his job!!

Thank you for all you do, Ray!

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>> Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here.