Stratford, CT - The Stratford Fire Department proudly welcomed its newest recruits, Justin Emlet and Nicholas Fine, after they successfully completed Recruit Class 77 at the Connecticut Fire Academy.

Special recognition was given to Recruit Justin Tomlinson of the Bristol Fire Department, who received the prestigious Michael C. Reilly Hard Charger Award.

The award honored the memory of Michael C. Reilly, a respected graduate of the Connecticut Fire Academy and former member of the Stratford Fire Department before joining the Fire Department of New York. After graduating from the FDNY Academy on July 6, 2006, Reilly was assigned to Engine Company 75, known as “Animal House,” in the Bronx. Tragically, he was killed in the line of duty on August 27, 2006, while battling a three-alarm fire in the Bronx.

The department also expressed gratitude to retired Stratford Lieutenant Michael Tiberio, a former classmate of Reilly, for continuing the tradition of presenting the award to each recruit class. Recognition was also extended to Jaide Fagan, Stratford’s 2025 recipient of the honor. The Stratford Fire Department congratulated the graduates and officially welcomed them to the department.