Rising to Serve

Posted: July 2, 2026

After completing the rigorous training required to serve their communities, 30 recruits received their respective volunteer fire company badge during graduation ceremonies on June 30 at Lacey High School. Surrounded by family, friends, instructors, and fellow first responders, the graduates marked the beginning of their service to communities across Ocean County. Dan Mulligan, Chief Ocean County Fire Marshal (Retired), delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the responsibility and honor that comes with the badge. Ocean County Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen congratulated the new firefighters on behalf of the Board of Commissioners. “Today we recognize you – the new firefighters for successfully completing countless hours of training,” said Ellenbogen. “Each and every one of you deserves our sincerest appreciation for a job well done.”

The following is a list of graduates and their respective fire companies: Louis Amorus, Jr., Chance Englebrook, Vincent Giannetti, Seaside Heights Fire Department; Jesse Applegate, Parkertown Fire Department; Jordan Basile, Kyle Komanitsky, Herbertsville Fire Department; William Cousins, III, Michael Hrudowsky, Aiden Kadlubowski, Eric Maxfield, Jr., Stafford Township Fire Department; Kristopher Doughty, II, Randall Garrison, II, Robert Knapp, West Tuckerton Fire Department; Connor Feehan, Jessica Fuccello, Courtland Hackel, Bay Head Fire Department; Colette Flagg, Luke Robertiello, Samuel Stevenson, Ocean Fire Department; Brian Foster, Waretown Fire Department; Brian Jordan, Ocean Gate Fire Department; Adam Klimczak, Lanoka Harbor Fire Department; Zachary Lauri, Christopher Mistretta, Marc Ponte, Pine Beach Fire Department; Alexander Martone, Cliffside Park Fire Department; Curvin Miller, Jr., High Point Fire Department; Michael Nieves, Bayville Fire Department; Justin Ruppert, Lavallette Fire Department; and Austin Woardell, Point Pleasant Fire Department.

Special recognition was also presented during the ceremony. The Father Mychal Judge Award for Leadership was awarded to Courtland Hackel, Bay Head Fire Department; Jessica Fuccello, Bay Head Fire Department was awarded the Stanley Marks/Alex Letyshev High Achievement Award; and the Davenport Brotherhood Award was awarded to Michael Nieves, Bayville Fire Department.

Congratulations to the June 2026 Graduates!