Milford Police Dispatcher To Be Honored As Hero At Celtics Game

MILFORD, MA — A Milford dispatcher will be honored at Wednesday night's Celtic's game as a "Hero Among Us." Jay Covino is the dispatcher who jumped into action on Feb. 6 when he noticed a house fire on North Bow Street on his way home from work that night. Covino started evacuating people from the home before emergency crews arrived.

Covino will be honored by the Celtics as part of the "Hero Among Us" program, which recognizes outstanding individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to their communities. The award is presented at every Celtics home game. Another Milfordian named hero by the Celtics is Special Olympic Athlete Ashley Aldrich. She was honored in March.

This isn't the first time Covino has been recognized for his efforts during the North Bow Street fire. In February, the Board of Selectmen gave Covino and the first responders who fought the fire, a citation for their brave work. The Chairman at the time, Michael Walsh told the responders they exemplified sacrifice and selflessness. "I could not be more proud of all of you for what you do on a daily basis in this community," Walsh said.

The fire started in a multi-unit home at 16 North Bow Street on a February night. Off-duty dispatcher Jay Covino spotted the fire and called it into the police and proceeded to help evacuate residents. One woman had to be rescued from her second floor apartment where the fire broke out. Nine residents were evacuated and the woman who was rescued was hospitalized.

The cause of the fire was found to be the improper disposal of smoking material.

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