The Monmouth County Fire Academy, Howell, recently graduated 25 volunteers from Firefighter I Class No. 67. The ceremony was held Aug. 29.
The firefighters attended weekend classes and have logged more than 130 hours of course work. They received training in rescue, fire extinguishment, hazardous materials response, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, electrical safety, and care of hoses and other equipment.
Monmouth County Freeholder Theodore J. Narozanick, who attended the graduation, commended the new firefighters for their dedication and willingness to serve.
“Firefighters are special people, just like police and other emergency responders,” Narozanick said. “You will get called in the middle of the night. Sometimes your work is a matter of life and death. You will come to the aid of people who need help right away, at a moment’s notice, and that is no small feat. I salute each and every one of you, and I thank you for your service.”
This new crop of firefighters, like the 10,000 other firefighters who receive training at the fire academy each year, worked hard to achieve their goals, said William Itinger, chief training officer at the Howell facility.
“They are very dedicated,” Itinger said. “I have no doubt they will provide a great service to their communities because they have proven themselves here first.”
Each firefighter was awarded a Firefighter I certificate. The certificates were distributed by Itinger and Narozanick.
The graduates are: Jonathan Blozen, New Point Comfort Fire Co., Keansburg; Steven J. Brody, Wanamassa Fire Co., Ocean Township; Joseph A. Carbo, New Point Comfort Fire Co., Keansburg; Michael J. Criso, East Freehold Fire Co., Freehold Township; Richard J. Crompton, Glendola Fire Co., Wall; James R. Dayton, Glendola Fire Co., Wall.
And, Vincent DiCapua, East Freehold Fire Co., Freehold Township; Raffaele Donofrio, Freehold Township Independent Fire Co.; Mark E. Hardy, Red Bank Fire Department; Deborah L. Hartman, Fair Haven Fire Department; Thomas B. Howley, Aberdeen Hose and Chemical Co. No. 1.
Also, Andrew J. Lemmiksoo, Hamilton Fire Co., Neptune; Frances J. Lippolis, Oceanport Hook and Ladder Co.; Michael C. Loelius, South Wall Fire and Rescue, Wall; Donald E. Lynch, Fair Haven Fire Department; Joseph A. Maylsko, Aberdeen Hose and Chemical Co. No. 1; Jonathan B. Manek, Gordons Corner Fire Co., Manalapan.
And, Matthew J. Miranda, Freehold Borough Fire Department; Mark A. Patterson, Oceanport Hook and Ladder Co.; David W. Phillips, New Point Comfort Fire Co., Keansburg; James P. Polanco, Aberdeen Hose and Chemical Co. No. 1; Jonathan M. Ryan, Oceanport Hook and Ladder Co.; Dean H. Schoch II, Wanamassa Fire Co., Ocean Township; Bhakbhume Tanta-Nanta, Hamilton Fire Co., Neptune; and John H. Underhill, West Belmar Fire Co. No. 1, Wall.