Hometown hero uses FBI background to promote home safety
Tony Torres waits in line at his favorite Sammamish Starbucks when a woman says hello. She is excited to tell him about her new motion sensor lighting. This is common for Torres, a former FBI agent who has become a hometown hero in Sammamish. After more than 21 years with the agency, Torres now focuses on educating residents about personal and home safety.
Torres dreamed of becoming an FBI agent since the eighth grade. Years later, in 1996, the FBI stationed him in Seattle. He chose Sammamish as his home for its safety and great schools.
After two fulfilling decades of service, Torres retired in 2017 to spend more time with his two sons.
In his retirement, Torres remains active in the community. He is a regular at his local gym and substitute teaches at Skyline and Eastlake high schools.
While at Hustle House fitness studio a few years ago, fellow gymgoers asked Torres for home safety recommendations. The moment led Torres to build a list of safety tips and start giving public presentations.
Torres has since presented at the Sammamish Rotary Club, Skyline High School, local businesses like Great Clips, and the Lake Sammamish chapter of the National Charity League.
Torres’ tips include keeping lights and televisions on while away, removing valuables from bedrooms, and understanding self-defense rights.
Attendees like Sammamish resident Mackenzie White, 18, find the presentations helpful.
“The presentation was very informative and helped me to think of ways that I can be safer, especially while making the transition from high school to college,” White said.
Torres appreciates the opportunity to share his knowledge. He aims to make the presentations memorable and fun and enjoys setting people up to feel safe. He offers his presentations free of charge.
“The best kind of feedback is being invited to speak to other groups, so then I know the message is being received and is information people are interested in,” Torres said.
To connect with Torres on home and personal safety or to schedule an event, email him at tonyjat@yahoo.com or message him on Instagram @tonytorres4.
