By Nicole M. Wells, Special Writer
The list of things that Superstorm Sandy has taken the heat for is as long as the storm’s winds were wide, with a scant few being positive. But through the teachable moments it provided, Sandy helped guide the Monmouth County Fire Academy’s newly minted firefighters along the path to graduation, according to the organization.
The Fire Academy recently graduated two classes from the Firefighter 1 program. Among the 59 graduates were local residents Jason Fazzaro and James Taylor, of Cranbury, and Michael Stewart, of Monroe, according to a press release.
Mr. Fazzaro, Mr. Taylor and Mr. Stewart graduated with Class 96 on Jan. 22. Jamesburg residents Travis Lowande and Chris Reid graduated with Class 97 the following day.
Mr. Taylor, 38, who is also a Township Committeeman in Cranbury, joined the Cranbury Volunteer Fire Company in March 2012 but was unable to attend the Academy until this past fall.
”I was lucky that Monmouth, which is one of the top academies in New Jersey, had space open,” Mr. Taylor said.
The county Fire Academy on Route 33 in Freehold was the site for both ceremonies.
During the course of 188 hours, split up into 30 sessions, the graduates learned rescue skills, fire extinguishment, Hazmat response, CPR, electrical safety and equipment care, according to the academy.
Freeholder John P. Curley addressed the graduates at both ceremonies, telling them how they would always remember how Superstorm Sandy tested them in ways that went beyond the classroom.
”This type of an emergency was truly indoctrination by fire (for the students),” Mr. Curley said. “All of these trainees were with their local fire companies providing community rescue assistance or mutual aid to their neighbors [during the storm].”
Mr. Curley then thanked the graduates for their service to their communities in their time of need.
Mr. Taylor, Class 96, of the Cranbury Volunteer Fire Company, and Todd Migdon, Class 97, of the Bradley Beach Fire Company, each received an award in recognition of their high test scores. The award was in memory of Ronald Fitzpatrick, a former instructor who died in 2003, according to the academy.
Monmouth County Fire Marshal Henry Stryker III congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to continue their training.
The Monmouth County Fire Academy trains thousands of local firefighters each year, according to the Department of Public Information & Tourism. It is located at 1027 Route 33 E. in Freehold.

