MILLSTONE – Two new full-time firefighters have been hired to work with the Millstone Township Fire Company.
Matt O’Brien and Brian Yockman were sworn in as members of the fire company during a ceremony on June 26.
“We are very pleased to welcome Matt O’Brien and Brian Yockman to the Millstone Township Fire Company,” said David Markunas, chairman of the Millstone Township Board of Fire Commissioners, which oversees the fire company.
According to a press release from the board, O’Brien and Yockman were sworn in as firefighters by Mayor Michael Kuczinski. Also in attendance at the ceremony were Markunas, Chief John Fiore, Lt. Mike Maloney, Lt. Alan South and Board of Fire Commissioners Vice Chairman Anthony Marra.
O’Brien, 23, is a current active member and lieutenant with the Englishtown Fire Department, according to the press release. He was a per diem firefighter with the Millstone Township Fire Company for one year.
O’Brien holds an associate’s degree in applied science for computer science web development and is currently an online student at the University of Maryland, working toward a degree in information systems management.
Yockman, 25, is a current active member and past lieutenant of an East Brunswick fire company, according to the press release. He was a per diem firefighter with the Millstone Township Fire Company for two years.
Yockman was previously employed as a full-time firefighter at Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson. He holds a fire inspector certification from the state.
According to Markunas, O’Brien and Yockman will each receive an annual salary of $39,000 during their probationary period, which has a minimum of one year. After they complete their probationary period, each firefighter will receive an annual salary of $43,000.
With the hiring of O’Brien and Yockman, the Millstone Township Fire Company, which has its headquarters on Stagecoach Road in the Clarksburg section of the municipality, has 10 full-time paid firefighters, according to the press release.
The fire company is supported by the efforts of volunteer firefighters.