def #22 02/6/08

NEW FIREFIGHTERS GRADUATE COUNTY TRAINING CENTER

Ocean County fire companies recently welcomed 30 new firefighters that completed their training at the Ocean County Training Center, Waretown.

“On behalf of my colleagues on the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders, I congratulate all of these men and women who have dedicated so very much to this training,” said Freeholder John P. Kelly, who serves as Director of Law and Public Safety. “We deeply appreciate their commitment to firefighting and to our communities.”

To reach graduation, the students must successfully complete Basic Training, a rigorous, time intensive program consisting of more than 180 hours of classroom lecture and hands on training.

Upon completion of the required curriculum, each student must score 70 percent or higher on a 100 question written final exam. Students must also pass a practical skills exam demonstrating that they are mentally and physically prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

“This program demands focus, dedication and sacrifice,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. “These new firefighters possess these strengths and will do a great job. We wish them well.”

Receiving awards at the graduation ceremony were Jason R. Heinle, Surf City Volunteer Fire Department, the Eugene T. Furey Award for Excellence, presented by the 200 Club of Ocean County and James R. Sonner, Beachwood Volunteer Fire Company was the recipient of the Father Mychal Judge Leadership Award presented by the Ocean County Emerald Society.

The graduates and their respective fire companies are: Stephen R. Ballinger, Andrew J. Carton, Jason R. Heinle, Surf City Volunteer Fire Company; Timothy L. Canady, Ocean Gate Volunteer Fire Company, Thomas J. Curry, Michael T. Dunn, Anthony M. Gramiccioni, Pinewood Estates Volunteer Fire Company, John W. Dennis Jr., Waretown Volunteer Fire Company, Michael T. Durborow, West Tuckerton Volunteer Fire Company, Daniel T. Eagen, Pinewald Pioneer Volunteer Fire Company, Michael A. Eden, Bamber Lake Volunteer Fire Company, James D. Erickson, Seaside Heights Volunteer Fire Company.

And, Adam M. Grant, Brian S. Wojcik, Bayville Volunteer Fire Company, Matthew A. Havekost, Michael J. Murawsky, Jake T. Picone, Lucia A. Zarate, Barnegat Volunteer Fire Company, Caitlin M. Jubert, Adam G. McCormick, Manitou Park Volunteer Fire Company, Shaun P. Kennett, Seaside Heights Volunteer Fire Company, Raymond E. Lane, Parkertown Volunteer Fire Company, Allen R. McClure, Jonathan D. Milan, Mystic Island Volunteer Fire Company, David J. Picone, Manchester Volunteer Fire Company.

Also, Andres Rodriguez, Lakewood Rescue No. 2, Michael R. Rotonda, Seaside Park Volunteer Fire Company, Jeffrey R. Sloan, Whiting Volunteer Fire Company, James A. Sonner, Beachwood Volunteer Fire Company, Joseph W. Zajac, Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company.


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