OCEAN COUNTY – Twenty-five new firefighters earned their badges during a graduation ceremony at Lacey Township High School, marking the completion of six months of intensive training through the Ocean County Fire Academy.
The Fall 2025 Firefighter recruit class completed more than 300 hours of classroom instruction and rigorous drill ground training as part of the Ocean County Fire Academy program. With the presentation of their badges, the graduates formally began a lifelong commitment to public service.
The ceremony opened with an honor guard from the Ocean County Vocational Technical School public safety program, followed by a formal salute to the flag. The national anthem was performed by Samantha Grace and Kelly Scott of the Ocean County Vocational Technical School Performing Arts Program. Chaplain Greg Kennedy then delivered the firefighter’s prayer, asking for strength to save lives and protection for those who answer the call.
Assistant Fire Marshal Coordinator of Fire Training Roger Hull reminded the graduates that earning their badge is only the beginning.
“You’ve proven your skills during training, but the real tests still lie ahead,” Hull said. “You’ll be challenged physically, mentally and emotionally. Remember, you don’t face these challenges alone. Look all around you. These are your brothers and sisters now.”
Earning The Community’s Trust
Chief Fire Marshal Dennis Allen welcomed the class. “We are family, and we have each other’s backs.”
Allen credited Hull and the academy instructors for preparing the class through a rigorous curriculum that included being the first recruit class to train in the academy’s new burn building.
Ocean County Commissioner Robert Arace congratulated the recruits on behalf of the Board of Commissioners and underscored the responsibility that comes with the uniform.
“Becoming a firefighter is not just about mastering skills or completing training,” Arace said. “It is about earning the trust of your community. That trust is earned, and tonight you’ve earned it. Ocean County is proud of you.”
Arace also expressed his appreciation to Allen for his continued commitment to firefighting training, safety and excellence across the county. “I extend my sincere thanks to all the instructors and training staff who have set high standards, demand professionalism and prepare firefighters not just to respond but to lead,” he added. “Because of you, Ocean County’s fire service is stronger today than it was yesterday.”
A Calling Few Choose
The keynote address was delivered by Manchester Mayor Joseph Hankins, a past chief of the Manchester Township Fire Department and current vice president of the New Jersey State Firefighters Association.
“You’re here today because you embarked on a journey few people take,” Hankins told the recruits. “The fire service is an unreasonable quest for many, facing the danger and tackling it head on, showing up and getting the job done, no matter what that job is.”
Hankins reminded the graduates that firefighters are often the default solution when no one else knows what to do. “When nobody knows who to call, they’ll always say, ‘Let’s call the fire department,’” he said.
He urged them to commit to lifelong learning. “Never be satisfied with doing it until you get it right,” Hankins said. “Always train until you can’t get it wrong.”
Hankins also addressed the emotional weight of the job and encouraged the new firefighters to speak up if they struggle with what they experience on the fire ground.
“Don’t be afraid to talk about it when it happens,” he said. “Your personal limit is your personal limit.”
Recognizing Excellence
In addition to receiving their badges, three recruits were recognized for leadership, academic achievement and commitment to brotherhood.
The Father Mychal Judge Leadership Award was presented to Firefighter Tyler J. Chervenick of the Lanoka Harbor Fire Department for demonstrating outstanding leadership throughout the class.
The Stanley Marks and Alex Letyshev High Achievement Award for Academic Excellence, sponsored by the Lakewood Fire Department, was awarded to Firefighter Melissa I. Myslinski of the Mystic Island Fire Department for achieving the highest academic performance.
The Chief Michael A. Davenport Sr. Brotherhood Award was presented to Firefighter Madison R. Braun of the Seaside Heights Fire Department for consistently assisting fellow recruits and exemplifying the spirit of the fire service.
The Class Of Fall 2025
The following firefighters received their badges and will serve departments throughout Ocean County:
Robert Ackerman Jr., Forked River Fire Department
Madison Braun, Seaside Heights Fire Department
Nathan Brindley, Barnegat Light Fire Department
Scott Brindley, Barnegat Light Fire Department
Tyler J. Chervenick, Lanoka Harbor Fire Department
Christopher Colacci, West Tuckerton Fire Department
Joshua Davis, Lakehurst Fire Department
Elvir Divanovic, Waretown Fire Department
Michael Ford, Lavallette Fire Department
Kreisler Fortes, Forked River Fire Department
Bradden Galassi, Waretown Fire Department
Nicholas Knipple, Seaside Heights Fire Department
Jack Koehler, Forked River Fire Department
Matthew Linsley, Beachwood Fire Department
Daniel Mitchell, Lakehurst Fire Department
Melissa I. Myslinski, Mystic Island Fire Department
Austin Nahrwold, Manitou Park Fire Department
Matthew Perez, Pleasant Plains Fire Department
Christopher Polina, West Tuckerton Fire Department
Robert Price Jr., Waretown Fire Department
Jonathan Rainforth, Pinewald Pioneer Fire Department
Cole Rizzolo, Whiting Fire Department
Reece Rizzolo, Whiting Fire Department
Ricardo Rubio, Stafford Township Fire Department
Trent Stanfield, Pinewald Pioneer Fire Department
The class presented academy staff with a commemorative plaque featuring a photo taken in front of the new burn building, signed by each recruit.
As the ceremony concluded, the 25 firefighters stood together one final time as recruits. When they left the stage, they did so wearing badges that represent far more than metal and enamel. They represent trust, tradition and a promise to respond when Ocean County calls.
