Milford Police Chief O'Loughlin Named 'Milfordian Of The Year'

MILFORD, MA — The Fourth of July is just weeks away and the Milford Fourth of July Parade Committee announced on Tuesday, who will be honored at the second annual parade. Police Chief Thomas O'Loughlin was chosen as this year's 'Milfordian of the Year' and will be riding in the parade as part of the honor.

The designation recognizes someone who has shown years of often unrecognized contribution to making the town a better place. O'Loughlin has served as chief since 2001. During O'Loughlin's tenure, the department spearheaded an initiative to tackle with the opioid crisis and partnered with social service organizations to rehabilitate users. Leading the way in the fight, the department was one of the first in the state to equip officers with Narcan.

Also under O'Loughlin's tenure, the town’s crime rate reached its lowest in a decade.

In response to the designation, O'Loughlin said, "I am truly honored to be selected as the Mifordian of the Year and to participate in the Fourth of July Parade."

O'Loughlin will leave his position on July 1 after a Board of Selectmen 2-1 vote passed in September, not to renew his contract. The vote led to O'Loughlin taking legal action against the selectmen and a failed community effort to remove Kingkade from the Board of Selectmen.

Since then a Police Chief Search committee has been formed to find a new, permanent chief. The town is still looking for a permanent replacement but retired Milford police Sgt. Michael Pighetti was voted in last month as the interim chief.

Last year's inaugural parade honored local bus driver Maureen “Moe” Hutchins. The parade follows the same route as the town's Santa parade, starting at the intersection of Routes 109 and 16 and making its way down to Draper Park.

Floats will be decked out in 'Americana' style along with classic American cars and a bicycle brigade filled with children's bikes. Parade organizers said this year will feature the "DeLorean" car from "Back To The Future" and a Milford High School Alumni band.

The parade will start at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 4.