LACEY – Anyone driving past the Lacey branch of the Ocean County Library on two separate days in mid-September might have thought an emergency was unfolding. Police cruisers, ambulances, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s K9 unit vehicles filled the lot, lights occasionally flashing and sirens tested. But rather than a crisis, the scene marked a joyful celebration of first responders as part of the library’s Hometown Heroes program honoring Patriot Day.
“Patriot Day is a day that we remember our first responders who lost their lives on 911,” reminded local librarian, Chris Seminatore. “It’s important to know that first responders, whether it’s EMS, police, firefighters, ambulance workers, hospital workers, they all do their due diligence every day to save people they don’t know.”
The two-part series drew enthusiastic crowds, bringing together participants of all ages, from infants in strollers to seniors curious about the behind-the-scenes work of emergency responders.
Police Kick Off The Learning Experience
The first session on September 12 highlighted the Lacey Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit. Families filled the meeting room, where children leaned forward in their seats eager to hear from officers and head outside to meet the working dogs.
“When we come to events like this, it’s a chance for kids to see us as more than uniforms,” Officer Michael Hutman explained. “We want them to know we’re here to protect, but also to teach and to be a part of their everyday lives.”
Homeschool families made the day part of their curriculum. One parent described a consortium of about 60 families who regularly gather for field trips like the Hometown Hero events, ensuring their children learn through real-life experiences. While all the families who took part in the presentations were from Ocean County, not everyone called Lacey their home.
Excitement spilled outside as youngsters climbed into patrol vehicles and their imaginations kicked in. Some even said it was their dream to help others by entering the law enforcement field.
Ocean County Sheriff’s Officer Corporal Christine Casullo introduced two of her partners: Drago, a black German shepherd trained to detect explosives, and Fiona, a floppy-eared bloodhound skilled at finding missing persons. Children giggled as Drago bounded to his reward after a successful search, while Fiona’s playful energy made her an instant favorite.
Mayor Peter Curatolo praised the deep connection between police and community. “The Lacey Library is emblematic of how tied to our community our police department is. From the Cop Card program to school resource officers to education, the Lacey Police Department makes us all proud.”
EMS Brings Fun And Facts
Four days later, on September 16, Lacey Township EMS took over the spotlight. Lieutenant Supervisor Jordan Burton offered some interesting details of the organization before the meeting began.
A private non-profit organization, Lacey Township EMS differs from other ambulance squads in southern Ocean County. “Everybody on the ambulance is compensated,” Burton shared. “The only volunteers we have are junior members, under the age of 18. They’re all working towards their EMTs.”
Because Lacey EMS is a private nonprofit, its members are not township employees and do not receive municipal benefits. Lanoka Harbor is a hybrid EMS squad, with both paid and volunteer members.
The main portion of the program began with a PowerPoint geared more toward the adults in the room, outlining the history of Lacey’s transition from a volunteer squad to a fully compensated service and explaining how response times are measured. As two EMTs delivered the slides, other crew members circulated among the children, crouching to their level and making conversation.
Captain Ray Benedetti shared the scope of the organization’s work, with about 2,700 calls a year across Lacey Township and stressed what differentiates them from a volunteer agency. “We are able to go en route in under 60 seconds or less from when we get the call,” he emphasized. “With a volunteer agency sometimes it takes seven, eight and nine and 10 and 11 and 12 minutes for them to go through, because the people are at home.”
Burton described a rigorous five-day in-house program for all new hires. Adults were reassured to learn that billing practices never leave patients burdened. “We only collect what insurance pays,” Benedetti told the group. “No one should ever hesitate to call us because they’re worried about the cost.”
The EMS team also highlighted their wide coverage area, stretching from the municipality’s waterways to the woods, and the importance of close coordination with fire services and police. They also respond to mutual aid calls in neighboring communities.
Children marveled at many of the lifesaving tools and enjoyed hands-on demonstrations. A set of twins from Jackson took particular interest. Eight-year-olds Declan and Teagan Grady also provided the most memorable quotes of the day. Teagan raised his hand when asked who saw being an EMT as part of their future. He had a simple answer about what attracted him to the profession. “I want to save our country,” Teagan said.
Declan’s career aspirations are also aligned with a patriotic theme. He plans to go in the Army, and also become a famous national hiker.
As the children headed outside for a look at the emergency vehicles, at least one little one was scared off. Two-year-old Bridget’s grandmother said she just didn’t like the sound of the blaring sirens.
In the end, what looked from the street like an emergency in progress was really a community celebration of the men, women, and even canines who stand ready to serve.
