Freehold Gains 6 New Firefighters

Freehold Borough and Township have 6 new firefighters protecting residents and their homes.

The Monmouth County Fire Academy graduated 75 firefighters from the Firefighter I program this week. Graduates were divided into two classes: Class 94 graduated May 22 and Class 95 graduated May 24. Both ceremonies were held at the Fire Academy on Route 33.

“Tonight, you become members of one of American’s greatest creations – organized firefighting,” Freeholder Director John P. Curley said in his address to Class 94. “You don’t just fight fires. You will be required to respond to all sort sof emergencies, like first aid calls, traffic accidents, hazardous materials spills and, yes, even terrorist acts.”

The following firefighters will be joining the ranks of Freehold volunteer firefighters who are already serving the community:

• Austin Frazette,
• Drew Lubber,
• Frank Santore,
• Matt Manzella,
• Anthony Panzarino,
• Frank Priolo,

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.”

Each year thousands of local firefighters receive training at the county Fire Academy. Applications for the spring 2012 Firefighter I class are being accepted now. Classes will begin in February.