Milford Officers Recognized For Extraordinary Efforts

MILFORD, CT ? Milford police officers were recognized for their extraordinary efforts during a recent Police Commission meeting.

Officer Kevin Hilliard was awarded the department?s meritorious service medal after he rescued a female student from Mondo Ponds, according to meeting minutes.

The student made comments about suicide to a friend during a phone conversation in July 2021, according to Police Commission meeting minutes. The call was tracked, and Hilliard and his K-9 went to Mondo Ponds.

Hilliard heard the student crying and saw she was approaching chin-deep water. He dragged the student back to safety, and she was transported to the hospital for medical care.

Officer Paige Bodnar was also issued a letter of recognition for her handling of a dispatch call following a homicide in July 2021.

Bodnar was assigned to dispatch and made phone contact with the suspect. She worked to make an emotional connection and learned he was in the Stamford area.

Stamford officers located the suspect, but he had committed suicide.

Deputy Chief Brian Rojee said that Bodnar?s handling of the situation helped prevent any further violence, according to meeting minutes.