Guilford Firefighter Killed In I-95 Crash: Police

GUILFORD, CT — A Guilford firefighter was killed over the weekend in a motorcycle crash on Interstate 95, authorities said.

Michael P. Terrio, 32, of Killingworth, died after the collision, which occurred around 8:45 p.m. Friday near Exit 59 on the southbound interstate in Guilford, according to state police.

Terrio was driving a Suzuki motorcycle that struck an SUV from behind, police said. The driver of the SUV, a 66-year-old man from New Jersey, suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Yale New Haven Hospital St. Raphael Campus in New Haven, according to police. Terrio was brought to Yale New Haven Hospital and later died, police said, adding the collision remained under investigation.

The department in a Facebook post Sunday described Terrio as "a dedicated public servant who committed himself to protecting the residents of Guilford."

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael’s family during this unimaginable time,” Guilford Fire Chief Michael Shove said in the post announcing Terrio’s death. “We ask the community to keep his loved ones in their hearts as we grieve the loss of a brother firefighter.”

The department will offer peer support services to staff. The Madison CT Police Department said it "joins our community in mourning the tragic passing of Michael Terrio. Michael dedicated his life to serving others as an active volunteer firefighter with Madison Hose Co. No. 1 and a full-time firefighter with the Guilford Fire Department."

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Aug. 28, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, Aug. 29, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Margaret Church on Academy Street, followed by burial at West Cemetery on Jannas Lane in Madison.

"Our thoughts are with Michael’s family, friends, and his firefighting brothers and sisters during this difficult time. His service, sacrifice, and dedication to the community will never be forgotten," the Madison Police Department said.