Walter Torres was born on April 30, 1950. He was appointed to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) on November 25, 1978, and served the first eight years of his career in the quarters of Engine Company 22 before transferring to Engine Company 328, where he ended his 26 years of service with the FDNY.

Firefighter Torres retired on October 29, 2004, and died on December 18, 2012, from an illness related to his response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

He is survived by his wife, Gina; daughters, Nakia and Michelle; and brother, Dominic.