Frank Torres, director of the Willacy County Emergency Medical Services, has been recognized by the Texas Senate for his exemplary service to the Lone Star State.

Torres was chairman of the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System Board of Trustees since 2001. This year, he began a six-year reappointment on the administrative body that oversees 237 department members. He was recognized by the Senate and by Texas Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. and Texas Rep. Eddie Lucio III.

On Nov. 14, the Brownsville senator was in Raymondville and gave Torres a copy of Senate Resolution N. 794, commending him for his outstanding contribution to TESRS.

“This resolution will be part of Texas archives,” Lucio said. “Any one will be able to enter his name and this resolution will pop up on the screen.”

Serving those who serve

The senator said people from here and from all over the Rio Grande Valley are very fortunate to have Torres serving the community. Torres said TESRS is a system that provides benefits to volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel without pension plans.

The minimum fee to join the non-profit organization is $36 a month. Just last year alone, TESRS gave $6 million in benefits to its members. Torres said when he became chairman, TESRS had $29 million in a fund, compared to $116 million today.

Under new legislation, fire and EMS departments once not eligible to participate in the pension plan will soon be able to do so.

In addition to Torres, Lucio presented a Texas flag to the Willacy County EMS. He and Manny Vela, president and CEO of Valley Baptist Health System, described the EMS as a provider of world class services for the citizens of Willacy County.