The Monmouth County Fire Academy recently graduated 59 firefighters from the Firefighter I program. Graduates were divided into two classes: Class 96 and Class 97. Both ceremonies were held at the county fire academy on Route 33, Howell.
Graduates worked 188 hours over 30 sessions and received training in rescue, fire extinguishment, hazardous materials response, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and electrical safety, as well as care of hoses, ladders and other equipment, according to a press release.
Monmouth County Freeholder John P. Curley told both classes of graduates that they would always remember their initial firefighter training and how superstorm Sandy jump-started their service to their communities.
“This type of an emergency was truly indoctrination by fire,” Curley said. “All of these trainees were with their local fire companies, providing community rescue assistance or mutual aid to their neighbors. Some assisted with evacuations as Sandy approached our coastline, some stood watch at a downed power line, while others performed rescue operations as the water rose and citizens needed help. Because of you and your fellow firefighters, we can rest knowing that in this remarkable time, you answered the call for help. On behalf of the board of freeholders, I thank you.”
Monmouth County Fire Marshal Henry Stryker III congratulated the graduates and urged them to continue their training with advanced courses offered at the fire academy.
Members of Firefighter Class 96 included the following local residents (name of fire company follows): Michael Bardsley (Ramtown), Justin Boucher (Squankum), Alexander Kubiak (Adelphia) and David Lovey (Southard).
Members of Firefighters Class 97 included the following local residents: Daniel Andrus (Adelphia), John DePinto (Adelphia), Frank Ferrara (Adelphia), Ryder Grimes (Ramtown), Michael Schubert (Freewood Acres), and Justin Scullion (Squankum).