For Immediate Release:
June 26, 2015
Monmouth County Fire Academy graduates 39
HOWELL, NJ – The Monmouth County Fire Academy graduated 39 firefighters from the Firefighter I program this week at the Fire Academy on Route 33. Graduates were divided into two classes: Class 106 graduated June 23 and Class 107 graduated June 24.
All of the graduating firefighters 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.
“Firefighting is more than public service or volunteerism – it is a calling, a way of life. You cannot put a price on it. It is your reputation, your integrity, your life,” Freeholder John P. Curley said in his address to the classes. “Every day from this day forward you are now firefighters. You have earned our respect. On behalf of Monmouth County and the entire 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 Ryan Devosa, Class 106 of Ramtown Fire Company in Howell and Justin Lee, Class 107 of the Robertsville Fire Company in Marlboro.
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.
“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.”
“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,” said Curley “You all are a credit to Monmouth County and to the towns and people you serve.”
Each year thousands of local firefighters receive training at the County Fire Academy. For more information about the County Fire Academy visit
www.visitmonmouth.com.
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Firefighter 1 – Class 106
Joe A. Accurso Sea Girt Fire Company
Chris Beringer Oakhurst Fire Company
Roger A. Boretsky Morganville Independent Fire Company
Alexander R. Caden Keyport Fire Department
Ryan T. Carr Gordon’s Corner Fire Company
Tyler T. DeBoer Atlantic Highlands Fire Department
Ryan A. Devosa Ramtown Fire Company
Joseph E. Eadicicco Ramtown Fire Company
Joseph P. Gleason Long Branch Fire Department
Kevin C. Kelly Jr. Deal Fire Department
James Kumpf Sea Girt Fire Company
Matthew C. Lawson Roosevelt Fire Company
Qua’dry W. Lyons Neptune Township Fire Department
Sean P. McBride Keyport Fire Department
Christopher J. Ryan Spring Lake Fire Department
Shalen A. Shivalkar Colts Neck Fire Department
Anthony M. Simone West Keansburg Fire Company
Christopher J. Zmuda Ramtown Fire Company
Firefighter 1 – Class 107
Grayson A. Asprocolas Roosevelt Fire Company
James G. Asprocolas Roosevelt Fire Company
Brett D. Bodner Hazlet Fire Company
Nicholas A. Briggs New Point Comfort Fire Company
Nicholas R. Colalilo Wanamassa Fire Company
Santos A. Colindres Red Bank Fire Department
Thomas J. Coniglio East Freehold Fire Company
Joseph R. Defeo Brielle Fire Company
Robert L. Haines Hazlet Fire Company
Matthew T. Hamilton Eatontown Fire Department
William M. Harrigan Marlboro Fire Company
Austin Higgins Ramtown Fire Company
Justin D. Lee Robertsville Fire Company
Dylan T. Madonna Spring Lake Heights Fire Department
Cheyne M. Meseroll Brielle Fire Company
Benjamin W. Meseroll Brielle Fire Company
Jennifer M. Nance Union Beach Fire Department
Joseph D. Piccolo Marlboro Fire Company
David R. Reiff Gordon’s Corner Fire Company
Sal Santoro Southard Fire Company
Cole W. VanDevelde Northside Engine Company