Funeral set for New Haven firefighter who died in Valley Street blaze Staff Report FacebookTwitterEmail 1of3 Cathy Foster-Mendez, center, mother of deceased New Haven Firefighter Ricardo Torres Jr., speaks to the press following a prayer vigil in front of Pitts Chapel Unified Free Will Baptist Church in New Haven May 15, 2021. At left is Torres’ stepfather, Armand Mendez.Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less 2of3 3of3 NEW HAVEN — The funeral for a city firefighter who died while battling a fire on Valley Street has been scheduled for Thursday. Ricardo Torres Jr., 30, left behind his wife, Erica Martinez, who is pregnant, and son Oliver Torres, according to his obituary.