By Sarah Roebuck
Corrections1
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Early mornings are a ritual for Daniel Torres, a correctional officer at Ironwood State Prison.
Torres was training for a “Battle of the Badges” boxing match on Oct. 19 at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. The event, organized for first responders, offers a platform to come together, showcase their skills and promote mental health awareness, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
For Torres, preparing for the event has required just as much mental toughness as physical stamina. His demanding training schedule includes early morning runs, rigorous strength training and extensive discipline, CDCR said.
“Waking up early to train, even when I don’t feel like it, builds both mental and physical strength,” Torres said. “After all this, I plan to change my name to ‘Ground Beef’ because I will be super lean.”
Torres highlights that these routines are crucial not only for his performance in the ring but also for handling the daily stresses of his job as a corrections officer.
The Battle of the Badges is more than just a sporting event; it’s an opportunity to open up dialogue about mental health, especially for first responders facing high-pressure situations, CDCR said. Torres aims to use his participation to emphasize the critical need for addressing mental health challenges openly.
“I want to show that it’s OK to be both strong and vulnerable,” Torres said. “It’s crucial to break down the barriers surrounding mental health, and I believe this event can help spark those conversations within our community.”
As Torres gets ready for the matches, he has received considerable support from his colleagues, who understand the importance of mental health in their profession.
“Their encouragement has been incredible,” Torres says. “They’ve shared their own experiences, which not only motivates me but reinforces the sense of community we have.”
As Torres steps into the ring, his participation underscores the resilience needed to handle both physical and emotional challenges, CDCR said.
