def #131 07/01/10
52 NEW FIREFIGHTERS JOIN VOLUNTEER COMPANIES
ADDING TO the ranks of Ocean County’s bravest, 52 new volunteer firefighters participated in a graduation ceremony at the
Ocean County Training Center, Waretown, on June 29, ready to join volunteer fire companies across the County.
“My colleagues and I on the Ocean County Board of Freeholders extend our congratulations and our deepest
appreciation to the men and women that made up this class of firefighters,” said Freeholder John P. Kelly, Director of Law
and Public Safety. “I am pleased that we can provide them with their training and the tools they need to help them become
well trained and qualified firefighters.”
The 52 firefighters, some already wearing the Class A uniform of their respective fire company, received
certificates marking the completion of their certification and also their company badge during a ceremony at the Ocean
County Training Center, which serves as home to the County’s fire training academy.
The Ocean County Fire Academy follows New Jersey State guidelines for Firefighter 1 Certification. Volunteer
students must successfully complete basic training, a rigorous, time-intensive program consisting of more than 180-hours of
classroom lecture and hands-on training. Upon completion of the required curriculum, each student must score 70 percent or
higher on a 100 question written final exam. Students must also pass a practical skills exam demonstrating that they are
mentally and physically prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
“The firefighter 1 program demands focus, dedication and sacrifice,” Kelly said. “Those graduating have reached
their goal. They have earned the title of firefighter.
“The loved ones of the graduates also deserve our thanks. They provide the support system that helps all of our emergency
responders carry out what is often very difficult tasks,” Kelly noted. “The job of a firefighter is a difficult one. The
hours are not set, calls can come in day or night and a inherent danger comes along with the commitment to help those in
harm’s way.”
Award recipients were: Harold John Aceto, Pinewald Estates Volunteer Fire Company, received the Chief Michael A. Davenport
Sr. Award presented by the Ocean County Fire Chief’s Association; Hannah J. McLaurin, Tuckerton Volunteer Fire Company,
received the Eugene T. Furey Award for Excellence presented by the Ocean County 200 Club; and Christopher C. Whelan, Ocean
Fire Company No. 1, received the Father Mychal Judge Leadership Award presented by the Ocean County Emerald Society.
In addition, plaques were presented by the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office to two instructors chosen by the students as
being the most beneficial to their training – the volunteer instructors were Donald DeRogatis Jr., of the Northern Class and
Christopher Freeman, an instructor for the Central/Southern Class.
The graduates and their respective volunteer fire companies are: James B. Abbott III, Robert E. Booth III, Evan P. Cardin,
Edward C. Ernish, Zachary Bea Groezinger, Grant P. March, and David J. Wojton, all of the Brielle Volunteer Fire Company;
Harold John Aceto, Michael A. Arena, both Pinewood Estates Volunteer Fire Company; Charles J. Alyanakian, Nicholas R.
Kowalski, Kelly J. Oswald, all of High Point Volunteer Fire Company; James E. Barker, Kevin B. Carter, both Forked River
Volunteer Fire Company; Thomas P. Daly, Barnegat Township Volunteer Fire Company, and Michael A. Dougherty, Steven H. Meyer
Jr., Timothy P. Nandy, and Francisco A. Ramirez, all Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Company.
Also, Robert Bond Douglass, Manuel J. Gersick, James T. Schwartz, and Timmy R. Witts, all of the Whiting Volunteer Fire
Company; Patrick W. Duffy, Elmandoh N. Kandil, Patricia A. Krug, Jason L. McGee, and Daniel Villasis, all of Seaside Heights;
Timothy R. Eccles, Patrick S. Gorman, both Seaside Park Volunteer Fire Company; Jeffrey W. Fedak, Lanoka Harbor Volunteer
Fire Company; Anthony F. Frascella, Christopher D. Garrison, and Christopher C. Whelan, all Point Pleasant Beach Volunteer
Fire Company; Michael D. Hilbert, Surf City Volunteer Fire Company; Richard D. Jennings Jr., Bayville Volunteer Fire
Company; Timothy B. Kadubic, Lakewood Junior Hose; Nicholas R. Koidl, and Benjamin J. Springer, both of Point Pleasant
No. 1 Volunteer Fire Company; Daniel M. Kourris, Whitesville Volunteer Fire Company; Denis J. Mailloux Jr., Richard L.
Neilson, both Laurelton Volunteer Fire Company.
Also, Christopher Martisofski, Matthew V. Pecora, and Scott M. Worthington, all Manchester Volunteer Fire Company; Hannah
Jo McLaurin, Tuckerton Volunteer Fire Company; David Mizrahi, Lakewood Engine No. 1; Robert L. Nikola Jr., Bay Head
Volunteer Fire Company; John P. Oriolt, Warren Grove Volunteer Fire Company; William E. Paul, Lavallette Volunteer Fire
Company; Patricia A. Perrini, Bamber Lakes Volunteer Fire Company; and Jeremy D. Streeter, Ocean Gate Volunteer Fire
Company.
