For Immediate Release:

HOWELL, NJ – The Monmouth County Fire Academy graduated 59 firefighters from the Firefighter I program last week. Graduates were divided into two classes: Class 96 graduated Jan. 22 and Class 97 graduated Jan. 23. Both ceremonies were held at the county Fire Academy on Route 33.

Graduates worked 188 hours over 30 sessions and received training in rescue, fire extinguishment, hazardous materials response, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, electrical safety, and care of hoses, ladders and other equipment. 

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 other performed rescue operations as the water rose and citizens needed help.”

Curley then added, “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 Chosen Freeholders, I thank you.” 

A graduate from each class earned an award in honor of Ronald Fitzpatrick, a former instructor at the Fire Academy who died in 2003. The awards went to James Taylor, Class 96 of the Cranbury Volunteer Fire Company, and Todd Migdon, Class 97, of the Bradley Beach Fire Department in recognition of their high test scores.

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.

“Over the years I have learned that it takes a special type of person to be a firefighter,” Stryker said. “They have to have a passion to do this job. The graduates sitting before us have that passion because they have completed the rigorous training as their first step. Please be safe.”

Each year thousands of local firefighters receive training at the county Fire Academy. Applications for the Firefighter I class are being accepted now. The next class will begin in the fall.  

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