Daniel Torrez is the Volunteer Coordinator for the AZ Dept. of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry. He retired from the U.S. Army (21 years/Military Police) where he served in Humanitarian/Disaster Relief, Law & Order, United Nations Peacekeeping, & Combat Operations. He served as Patrol Officer/Supervisor, Sexual Assault Victim Advocate, SRT (SWAT) Member, Non-Lethal Weapons Instructor, Master Trainer, and was a member of the 3rd US Infantry, The Old Guard. Daniel has also worked as a Federal LEO, Corporate Security professional, and University Director of Public Safety. He is a member of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association, American Correctional Association, and the American Legion. Daniel earned his Master’s degree from Webster University, his Bachelor’s degree and Certified Public Manager designation from Arizona State University.
Daniel was born and raised on the Westside of Phoenix and always knew he wanted to be a Phoenix Police Officer. He joined the Army as an MP to gain experience until he turned 21 and could then apply for the police academy. Tragedy struck three weeks prior to departing for Fort McClellan, AL; Daniel’s father passed away. He didn’t have time to grieve or feel anything before he began training to become a Soldier and Military Police Officer.
Daniel is passionate about 1st Responder/Military Mental Health and discusses how his father’s death and early training desensitized him before earning his MP Badge. He understands how desensitization affected his response to critical incidents such as: LODD; medical emergencies; traffic accidents; death/dismemberment; team member suicide, and military deployments throughout his career. Daniel also understands how cumulative work/life trauma affects physical/mental health and how healthy coping strategies can help. This lead him to develop his AAR/R method (Accept, Acknowledge, Respond Appropriately & Reach Out When Necessary) to process his past traumas with vulnerability, resilience, and strength.