Boston Celtics Honor Naugatuck Teen For Life-Saving Actions

NAUGATUCK, CT — An 18-year-old Naugatuck resident was recently honored by the Boston Celtics "for his quick thinking, bravery and life-saving actions."

According to a news release provided by the Celtics, Alex Torres was honored as a "Hero Among Us" during the team's Jan. 27 home game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

In September, Torres turned a casual night of bowling with friends into a life-saving mission when he noticed a young child locked inside a hot car in the bowling alley's parking lot.

Quickly recognizing signs of heat exhaustion, Torres immediately contacted emergency services and broke the car window, rescuing the child from the perilous situation before crews arrived, according to the team.

"This heroic intervention by Alex and his friends undoubtedly saved the child's life," a team spokesperson said in a news release.

Established in 1997 by the Celtics, the Heroes Among Us program recognizes "outstanding individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to their communities," according to the team.

The award is presented at every Celtics home game and pays tribute to the heroic achievements of outstanding citizens.