JACKSON — The Ocean County Police Academy recently graduated its 77th class of recruits. Among the graduates were six new officers for the Jackson Township Police Department.
The recruit training spans 22 weeks during which the recruits undergo physical training, mental preparation, and studying as well as firearms training. Local and county law enforcement agencies contribute to the training by supplying many of the instructors for the academy training.
Jackson recruits Amy Dryzga and William Simon were selected to participate in the flag-raising ceremony for the dedication of the Ocean County Law Enforcement Memorial during their training period.
The Jackson graduates are John Libby, Amy Dryzga, Sean Greenberger, William Simon, Fred Meabe and John Suanno.
Dryzga received honors for her participation, which included the Ocean County Emerald Society James J. Tracey Leader-ship Award, the High Academic Award with an average of 97.59, and High Marks-manship with a perfect 100.
Graduates named to the Possible Club are Amy Dryzga, Sean Greenberger, Fred Meabe and William Simon. The Possible Club is a distinction to recruits who shoot at least one perfect score during firearms qualifications.
Sean Greenberger is the son of George Greenberger, a recently retired police officer.
Officer Fred Meabe served the township as a special officer prior to becoming a corrections officer for the New Jersey Department of Corrections.
The new officers are scheduled to begin the next phase of their training, the field officer training, during which they will ride along with a coach officer or field training officer. They will perform solo patrols after successful completion of their field training.
The department currently has four more recruits in the 78th class of the Ocean County Police Academy, due to graduate in May.
The new recruits are Daniel Ecks, Michael Bollard, Robert Reiff and Chris-topher Wasnesky. Upon their graduation the Jackson department will have 73 full-time officers.