KEYPORT – In a solemn memorial service at the Keyport Fire Museum on Oct. 5, Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry and Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow joined firefighters and their families from around Monmouth County to remember the 42 men and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and congratulate those who were awarded citations for bravery this past year.

“It is an honor to be with you as we commemorate our fallen firefighters – heroes, every one of them – and present awards to those of you who have been singled out for going above and beyond the call of duty this year,” Burry said. “In fairness, by virtue of being a firefighter all of you have  already gone above and beyond the call of duty. Be assured it is not something we forget or take lightly.”

The memorial and awards ceremony was led by the Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office, and included laying of a wreath in honor of the 42 firefighters from Monmouth County fire companies who died in the line of duty. As each name was read, backed by the ringing of a bell, firefighters and family members placed the red flowers at the foot of the flag pole and offered a salute.

After honoring the fallen, Fire Marshal Timothy J. Smith awarded Medals of Valor for rescue and firefighting during the past year. Unit Citations, an administrative medal and a Fire Inspector of the Year award also were presented.

“They are all very special and dedicated individuals,” Smith said. “They are firefighters who,  without hesitation, leave the safety and security of their families, homes and places of work and answer the call – often placing their own lives on the line while working to save the lives and property of others. These firefighters are truly heroes and we honor them and cheer for them.”

“These men and women have exemplified and upheld the proud traditions of the fire service, and we are very glad to have them watching over us,” said Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow, who also attended the ceremony. “We are very grateful to you and your families for your efforts.”

The Fallen Firefighters Memorial Services in Monmouth County coincided with the 27th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial weekend that was held in Maryland.

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* A list of award recipients is attached:

Award Recipients

Unit Citations were awarded to the following:

• Belmar Fire Department, for fire suppression operations conducted July 5 at Marina View Towers, a high-rise apartment complex on River Road.
• Monmouth Beach Fire Department, for a water rescue operation conducted Aug. 5 at the Monmouth Beach Bathing Pavilion.

Administrative Medal

• Wayne C. Kepler, Monmouth County executive committeeman, New Jersey State Firemen’s Association, and ex-chief of Neptune City Fire Department.  

Fire Inspector of the Year Award

• Garrett M. Giberson, Asbury Park Fire Department, was named Monmouth County Fire Prevention & Inspection Association “Fire Inspector of the Year.”

Medals of Valor
Michael Chenoweth, assistant chief, Middletown Fire Department
Robert Betz, firefighter, Middletown Fire Department
William Kacen, firefighter, Middletown Fire Department
Dan Regan, firefighter, Keyport Fire Department
Brian Wheary, captain, Asbury Park Fire Department
Michael O’Gara, firefighter, Asbury Park Fire Department
Michael Maunter, firefighter, Asbury Park Fire Department
Michael Disbrow, firefighter, Asbury Park Fire Department
Brett Nielsen, firefighter, Asbury Park Fire Department
John Kelly, captain, Asbury Park Fire Department
Cortland Heyniger, Asbury Park Fire Department
Joseph Maura, firefighter, Neptune Fire Department
Daniel Harker, lieutenant, Neptune Fire Department
Francis Sutphin, firefighter, Neptune Fire Department