Daniel Torres, a correctional officer at Ironwood State Prison, is gearing up for a challenge as he prepares to step into the ring for his Battle of the Badges boxing match.
These events bring together first responders from across various fields to showcase their athletic talents while promoting a worthy cause—mental health awareness.
He will step into the ring Oct. 19 in Sacramento.
For Torres, the road to the event has been as much about mental resilience as it has been about physical endurance. His training regimen is demanding, involving early-morning runs, intense strength training, and hours of discipline.
“Waking up early to train, even when I don’t feel like it, builds both mental and physical strength,” he shares. “After all this, I plan to change my name to ‘Ground Beef’ because I will be super lean.”
Torres emphasizes how these routines have become a foundation for his performance in the ring as well as managing the daily stresses of his profession.
Battle of the Badges promotes mental health awareness
The Battle of the Badges has a deeper purpose beyond the sport—it’s a platform to de-stigmatize conversations around mental health, especially for those in high-pressure roles like first responders. Torres hopes his participation will highlight the importance of addressing mental health head-on.
“I want to show that it’s okay to be both strong and vulnerable,” he explains. “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 he prepares for the matches, Torres has found strong support among his colleagues, many of whom recognize the significance of mental well-being in their line of work.
“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.”
Ultimately, the Battle of the Badges is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity for first responders to come together, display their skills, and advocate for mental health awareness.
As Torres steps into the ring, his journey reminds us of the strength it takes to face challenges, both physical and emotional.
Battle of the Badges will be held at 6 p.m., Oct. 19, at Sacramento Memorial Auditorium.
Story by Quinn Sheppard, associate governmental program analyst
Office of Public and Employee Communications
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