Local firefighters graduate from county's fire academy

The Monmouth County Fire Academy, located in Howell, graduated nine local volunteers from its Firefighter I classes No. 70 and No. 71 during a ceremony held May 31.

A total of 58 Firefighter I graduates had attended weekend classes and completed more than 130 hours of course work. They received training in rescue, fire extinguishment, hazardous materials response, cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), electrical safety, and the care of hoses and other equipment.

Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, who spoke at the graduation, commended the new and advancing firefighters for their dedication and willingness to serve.

"Firefighters, like any emergency responder, must be available all hours of the day and night," she said. "They are at times confronted with life-and-death situations, and their ability to react properly and safely can be attributed to the training program they have just completed at the Monmouth County Fire Academy."

Freeholder Director William C. Barham said the new crop of firefighters joins the ranks of 6,000 other local firefighters who serve their neighbors, friends and communities.

"Volunteer firefighters provide a necessary service and assist in the delivery of quality public services at the local level," said Barham, who also attended the graduation. "The men and women graduating today will provide a high level of safe and valued service because they have proven themselves throughout this county training program."

Each firefighter was awarded a certificate of course completion by Burry and William Itinger, the Monmouth County Fire Academy training officer.

Local Firefighter I graduates from Class No. 70 included Millstone's Mark T. Biddle, Gregory J. Penn and Justin N. Penn, as well as Allentown's Robert L. Cole and Christopher S. Poles.

Local Firefighter I graduates from Class No. 71 included Millstone's John P. Mazza and Daniel McGaheran, along with Allentown's Andrew Lydick and Alfred Louis Mottola.