FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 12, 2009

Monmouth County Fire Academy graduates 30

FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Fire Academy graduated 30 volunteers from the Firefighter I program. The ceremony was held Aug. 12.

Members of Class No. 82 attended weekend classes at the Monmouth County Fire Academy in Howell and completed 164 hours of course work over 24 sessions. They received training in rescue, fire extinguishment, hazardous materials response, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, electrical safety, and care of hoses, ladders and other equipment. 

“As graduates of this program you will serve your friends, neighbors and community as you embark on a public service career,” Freeholder Director Barbara J. McMorrow said. “By virtue of becoming a volunteer firefighter each of you will have an occasion to go above and beyond the call of duty. Be assured it is not something we forget or take lightly.”

“The graduates of Class 82 are ready to join the ranks of 6,000 other active local firefighters,” McMorrow continued. “As firefighters, you will join other emergency responders who are available at all times. Your ability to react properly and safely can be attributed to the training you have just completed and this training will serve you well when confronted with life and death situations.”

“These firefighter graduates are to be commended for their dedication and willingness to serve,” said William Itinger, chief training officer at the county facility. “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.”

Each firefighter was awarded a certificate of course completion by Freeholder McMorrow, Chief Itinger and First Deputy Fire Marshal Henry Stryker.

Each year thousands of local firefighters receive training at the county Fire Academy. Application for the next Firefighter I class is due at the Monmouth County Fire Academy administration office by August 15.  Classes begin the second week of September 2009.

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Class #82   Firefighter I graduates

Timothy C. Bruce, Eatontown Fire Department
Kevin S. Butler, Holmdel #1
Bryan T. Byrne, Glendola
Zachary S. Caruso, Freehold Township Independent
George E. Cavanagh, Matawan Boro
Ryan M. Cullinane, North Side Engine Co. #4
Charles Dawson, Asbury Park
Michael J. Fogarty, Jr., Freehold Township Independent
David A. Gonzalez, North Centerville
Scott A. Habermann, Asbury Park
Joseph N. Heaton, Farmingdale
Christopher Holmes, Morganville Independent
Jules M. Kwiatkowski, Robertsville Fire Company
Ryan B. Lancaster, Millstone Township FD
Ashleigh C. Layton, Long Branch
Stephen T. Lengyel, Freehold Township Fire Co.
Rocco A. Manfre, Shark River Hills
Andrew McClellan, Glendola Fire Company
Thomas J. Merker, Manalapan Township #1
Andrew B. Murphy, Sea Bright Fire Department
Ryan T. O’Shea, Eatontown Fire Department
Ronald J. Osadacz, Morganville Fire Co.
John H. Oswin, Asbury Park
Jason B. Patel, Robertsville Fire Company
Stanley R. Patterson, Jr., Freehold Boro
Kyle F. Reese, Freehold Township Independent
Jamar L. Stephens, Asbury Park
Matthew J. Tagerty, Oceanport Hook & Ladder
Ramon H. Vargas, Highlands Fire Department
Daniel F. Xavier, Freehold Boro