The accident in which Torres was killed remains under investigation.
Westfield Police Officer Jose TorresWESTFIELD — Funeral services for veteran Westfield Police Officer Jose Torres, killed while on traffic duty at a construction site Thursday, will be held Tuesday with full Police Department honors at Westfield State University.
Calling hours for the 27-year veteran officer will be Monday from 2 to 8 p.m. at Firtion Adams Funeral Service located at 76 Broad St.
The funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Westfield State University’s Dever Auditorium. Burial will follow at nearby Pine Hill Cemetery. The Rev. Brian McGrath, pastor at St. Mary’s Church, will officiate.
Torres died from injuries suffered when struck by dump truck while directing traffic on Pontoosic Road at a water line replacement project. The accident was reported shortly before 7:30 a.m., and the 53-year-old officer succumbed to injuries at about 9:30 a.m. at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.
The accident investigation, led by Westfield and state police, was ongoing Friday. An inspector from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration also investigated the accident site Thursday, and reports from both investigations are pending.
Torres was twice decorated for heroism during his 27-year tenure in the Police Department, and he was well-liked and well-respected both in the department and the community, officials and friends said.
The construction site, a $7 million West Springfield project, was shut down and Pontoosic Road closed to traffic immediately following Thursday’s accident. The road reopened and construction resumed later in the day. Construction at the site was ongoing Friday morning.
An Army veteran, Torres was appointed a reserve officer in February 1985 and hired as a full-time patrolman in August 1985. He was assigned to the 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. shift.
City officials said Friday public guests to the wake should arrive after 2:45 p.m. to allow police officers and family to pay their respects first at the funeral home.
Western Avenue, from Lloyd’s Hill road to Laura Drive, will be closed to traffic at 9 a.m. Tuesday and reopen following funeral services.
Civilians attending the funeral are requested to park at the commuter lot at Westfield State University.