FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Fire Academy graduated 60 volunteers from the Firefighter I program this past week. The graduates were trained in two separate classes, Nos. 88 and 89, and graduations ceremonies were held on Dec. 14 and 16, respectively.
Members of Class Nos. 88 and 89 attended weekend and evening classes at the Monmouth County Fire Academy in Howell and completed 164 hours of course work over 25 sessions. They received training in rescue, fire extinguishment, hazardous materials response, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, electrical safety, and care of hoses, ladders and other equipment.
Firefighter I Class 89 award winners are (from left) Shimon Miller, George Streisel and Patrick O'Connor. Also pictured behind them are Freeholder John P. Curley (left) and county Fire Marshal Henry Stryker III.
“You are now part of one of American’s greatest creations – organized firefighting,” Freeholder John P. Curley said in his remarks to each of the graduating classes. “As graduates of this program you will embark on a rewarding path of public service on behalf of your friends, your neighbors and your community. Firefighting is more than a public service – it is a calling, a way of life. You cannot put a price on what you do because it is your reputation, your integrity, your life. May God protect you.”
The Ronald Fitzpatrick Award, named for a former instructor at the Fire Academy who died in the line of duty in 2003, was won in Class No. 88 by Ethan Frazee of the Brielle Fire Co. in recognition of his high test scores and attendance record. Frazee has been designated “Honor Graduate.”
In the Class No. 89, there was a three-way tie. For the first time three “Honor Graduate” awards were bestowed. Winners were Shimon Miller of the Adelphia Fire Co. in Howell, Patrick O’Connor of the Goodwill Fire Co. No. 2 in Spring Lake, and George Streisel of West Long Branch Fire Co. No. 1.
“These graduates are to be commended for their dedication and willingness to serve,” said William Itinger, chief training officer. “This class had some tough days and some good days. They are ready to provide a great service to their communities as they carry out their important duties.”
Firefighters in Class No. 88 were awarded certificates of course completion by Freeholder Curley, Chief Itinger and Deputy Fire Marshall Kevin Stout. Class No. 89 graduates received their certificates from Curley, Itinger and Fire Marshal Henry Stryker III.
Each year thousands of local firefighters receive training at the Monmouth County Fire Academy. Applications for the spring 2011 Firefighter I class are being accepted now. Classes will begin in February.
Class #88 Firefighter I graduates
Spenser Baker Neptune - Liberty Fire Co.
Brian Bruno Freehold Township Independent No. 1
Justin Carlsen Wall Fire Co. No. 1
Cory Chapman Aberdeen Hose & Chemical Co.
David Cohen Ocean Township – Wanamassa
Ira Doubert Allentown – Hope Fire Co.
Brian Fernandes Englishtown
Nicholas Ferraro Red Bank Hook & Ladder
Ethan Frazee Brielle Fire Co.
Douglas Frueh Manalapan Fire Co. No. 1
Michael Grainger Howell Township – Southard
David Ivins Long Branch – Branchport
Christopher Jacobs Englishtown
John Jasman Brielle Fire Co.
Matthew Karabin Howell Township – Southard
Michael Licata Marlboro Fire Co.
Nikeya Miller Red Bank – West Side Hose
Philip Pollen Aberdeen Hose & Chemical Co.
Pasquale Principe Jackson No. 1
Ryan Reale Englishtown
Charles Reevey Neptune – Liberty Fire Co.
Daniel Rose Manchester – Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Dept.
Tyler Scorben Neptune – Shark River Hills
Martina Sherwood Jackson No. 1
Jonathan Spear Manchester – Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Dept.
Randy Spencer Neptune – Liberty Fire Co.
Mark Steidle Union Beach – Union Gardens
Stephen Wall Spring Lake Heights
Christopher Wolf Englishtown
Valen Zeltser Marlboro – Robertsville
Class #89 Firefighter I graduates
Louis Arzola Highlands – Columbus Hose Co.
Jason Boege Jr. Farmingdale
Kate Campanella Marlboro – Robertsville Fire Co.
Michael Fantini Ocean Township – Wanamassa
Daniel Favaloro Marlboro – Robertsville Fire Co.
Christopher Fazio Holmdel Fire Co.
Robert Felmey South Wall Fire Co.
Matthew Hand West Long Branch No. 1
Brian Irwin Red Bank Independent Engine Co. No. 2
George Killeen Jr. Colts Neck No. 2
Dane Krauss Howell Township – Adelphia
Steven Loveland Freehold Boro Engine No. 1
Christopher Marron Howell Township – Adelphia
Adam Mayer Matawan – Midway Hose
Shimon Miller Howell Township – Adelphia
Joseph Nappi Marlboro – Robertsville Fire Co.
Patrick O’Connor Spring Lake – Goodwill Fire No. 2
Edward Perez Holmdel Fire & Rescue
Carlos Pernett Keansburg – New Point Comfort
Flavio Pinheiro Marlboro – Robertsville Fire Co.
Logan Rafferty South Wall Fire Co.
Pamela Reichardt-Mundell Monmouth Beach Fire Co.
Nicholas Ruane Atlantic Highlands Engine Co.
Zoe Shaheen West Long Branch No. 1
Ilir Shunda Manasquan Engine No. 2
Roger Smith Allentown – Hope Fire Co.
Matthew Spadaro Marlboro – Robertsville Fire Co.
Timothy Steger Manasquan Engine Co. No. 2
George Streisel West Long Branch No. 1
William Wackowski Point Pleasant Beach No. 2
