Stratford, Conn. — December 6 — Kevin Begey and Adam Bove, the newest members of the Stratford Fire Department, were congratulated on finishing Connecticut Fire Academy Recruit Class 76.

Additionally, Recruit Colleen Salveggio of the Willimantic Fire Department received a special Stratford award when she was named the Michael C. Reilly Hard Charger Award recipient. Firefighter Michael Reilly, a graduate of the Connecticut Fire Academy and a former Stratford firefighter who later joined the FDNY, is honored with this award. On August 27, 2006, while responding to a three-alarm fire in the Bronx, firefighter Reilly was killed while performing his duties.

Firefighter Reilly's classmate, retired Lt. Michael Tiberio, continued the custom of recognizing his commitment and work ethic by presenting the award.