Yesenia “Jessie” Torres of the Hauppauge Fire Department’s Engine Company 1 was awarded the First Responder Award on Friday, October 11, in conjunction with the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Torres, 45, a Smithtown resident, and nine others were presented their awards by New York State Senator Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood).
Currently employed in the medical field when not unpaid-assisting out of the Hauppauge firehouse, Torres is an aspiring fire marshall who is already well on her way—if the field experience she is collecting with ease is any indication.
“Jessie has been serving as a volunteer firefighter since 2020,” her department shared in a statement through their media spokesperson. “Jessie is involved in all aspects at the firehouse and always steps up when needed… the Hauppauge Fire Department congratulates Jesse as well as all of the other recipients.”
In conversation with The South Shore Press, Torres—who started the fire academy in January 2021, and passed all her exams by that same May—shared that, being born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico and raised in the Bronx, she never thought she would be a firefighter, until she moved to Long Island and discovered her calling.
“I am very proud to be a part of this community and very lucky to have amazing friends that are like brothers to me,” she said.
A cancer survivor, Torres divulged over an interview that she was diagnosed with Stage Two Breast Cancer in August 2022. As a result, she had to take a medical leave of absence.
Upon going into remission some months later, the department recalls Torres instantly returning to action the second she was medically cleared by doctors.
“I missed it so much, and couldn’t wait to get back on the truck and continue to serve the community,” Torres recalled. I’m happy to be cancer-free and back on my feet.”
Still feeling the love a week after humbly receiving the hardware, attention and praise that no first responder demands, but deserves all the same, Torres continues to put the ball back in her support system’s court for making her recent accomplishment possible in the first place.
“I want to thank my family for supporting me through it all, and understanding when I get home later than expected or have to cancel my plans at the last minute.”
Torres also commends her “brothers from Engine Company 1” who have always been there for her “since Day 1.” She singles out Chief Crean for the nomination, Chief Mendola, the rest of the local firefighting community, like those from Hauppauge who attended her ceremony last week, and Senator Martinez for the selection.
“I have learned so much from each and every one of them,” Torres spoke of the Hauppauge Fire Department, “they are the true meaning of brotherhood.”