Santa Monica Mourns Loss of Retired Officer Aurelio "Duke" Torrez

Santa Monica, May 13, 2024 - The community of Santa Monica came together this morning to bid farewell to one of its own, retired Officer Aurelio "Duke" Torrez, at a moving funeral service held at St. Monica Catholic Church. Officer Torrez, who dedicated 38 years of service to the Santa Monica Police Department, passed away on April 27 following a battle with cancer.
The solemn ceremony was marked by the presence of the mounted unit and honor guard, underscoring the high esteem in which Officer Torrez was held. Colleagues, friends, and family gathered to honor his legacy of service and commitment to public safety, remembering him not only as a devoted officer but as a community pillar.
The tribute saw officers in dress uniforms alongside their horses, paying respects with traditional salutes, a poignant reminder of Officer Torrez’s lifelong dedication to his duties and the city he served. His service to Santa Monica, characterized by his deep commitment and bravery, leaves a lasting legacy that continues to inspire those within and beyond the police force.
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Fabian Lewkowicz is an award-winning Santa Monica-based professional photojournalist and press photographer, and the creator of the photo blog, Santa Monica Close Up. With years of experience as a staff photographer for several media outlets including the Santa Monica Daily Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica Observer, and the Santa Monica Corsair, Fabian has captured some of the most iconic moments of Santa Monica.
Fabian's photographs have been exhibited in a variety of settings, including museums, art galleries, hospitals, department stores, banks, fire stations, police stations, commercial buildings, amusement parks, offices, and homes. His photography captures the essence of Santa Monica, from its beautiful landscapes and stunning sunsets to its unique culture and diverse community.
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[@funfact8660]

RIP Duke 🦅🇺🇸⚖️🛡️⚔️ Thank you for your service

[@chrisandyoli]

xxx Santa Monica Closeup this is the greatest tribute xxx❤️

[@joycestreet4159]

RIP Duke

[@autumntran3738]

Rest in Peace 🙏✍

RIP😔

[@carmenzermeno576]

RIP Duke.

[@jimo3393]

🇺🇸 🙏

[@numbone]

Even in death they cost taxpayers millions