FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 19, 2010

 

Monmouth County Fire Academy 
graduates 32

Fire Academy graduate Natalie Manco with (from left) Steve Fitzpatrick, Monmouth County Fire Marshal Henry Stryker III, Freeholder John P. Curley, Kevin Fitzpatrick and Chief Instructor William Itinger. Natalie received the first Ronald Fitzpatrick Award, which was presented by his two sons.

 

FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Fire Academy graduated 32 volunteers from the Firefighter I program. The ceremony was held May 18.

 

Members of Class No. 85 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 embark on a rewarding path of public service on behalf of your friends, your neighbors and your community,” Freeholder John P. Curley said in his address to the class. “By virtue of becoming a volunteer firefighter you have already gone above and beyond the call of duty. Be assured it is not something we forget or take lightly. I congratulate each and every one of you.”

 

“All of you will be tested in a way most people cannot imagine,” Curley continued. “I am confident you will pass that test due to the training you received here at this academy by these fine instructors. You will answer the call and place your lives on the line to save someone else’s life and property, because that is what you are trained to do. We owe you our gratitude and respect.”

 

New this year was an award in honor of Ronald Fitzpatrick, a former instructor at the Fire Academy who died in 2003. The award, presented by his son, Steve Fitzpatrick, went to graduate Natalie Manco of Neptune in recognition of her high test scores and perfect attendance.

 

“These firefighter 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.”

 

Each firefighter was awarded a certificate of course completion by Freeholder Curley, Chief Itinger and county Fire Marshal Henry Stryker III.

 

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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A list of the graduates is attached.

 

Class #85   Firefighter I graduates

 

Joseph Addeo	Eatontown Fire Department
Christopher Ambrosino	Freewood Acres
Brianna Blackler	West Long Branch
Christopher Bray	Gordon’s Corner
Tommy Cangialosi	West Long Branch
Joseph Colon	Freehold Township Independent
Vito DelCore	Morganville Independent
Andrew DiChiara	West Long Branch
Ryan Dullea	Manasquan Hook & Ladder
James Gallo, Jr.	Oceanport
Ryan Gunsauls	Union Beach
Carlos Habon	Union Beach
Adam Hubeny	Atlantic Highlands Fire Department
Brian Kalarjian	Holmdel Fire & Rescue
Kevin Keane	Freehold Township Independent
Jeffrey King	Hazlet Fire Company #1
Natalie Manco	Neptune Fire Department
Ryan Marinella	East Freehold
John Merris	Shrewsbury Hose Company #1
Chuck Mobus	Keansburg Fire Company
Roberto Muolo	Oceanic – Long Branch
Stefan Oliver	West Long Branch
Frank Pinto	Union Beach
Alyssa Marie Pittas	Robertsville Fire Company
Matthew Podolla	Morganville Independent
Michael Rodriguez	Sandy Hook Fire Department
Richard Rogalski	Ocean Grove – Stokes
Zachary Roslin	Shrewsbury Hose Company #1
David Simon	East Freehold
Ryan Tobias	Millstone Township Fire Company
John Toutounchi	Freehold Township #1
Matthew Wills	Morganville Independent