From Recruits to Officers: Honoring Class 123

Ocean County Police Academy Basic Police Recruit Class No. 123 was recognized on March 3 during a graduation ceremony at the RWJBarnabas Health Arena at Toms River High School North, following the successful completion of five months of intensive training under the guidance of Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy. The recruits were joined by family members, loved ones, academy instructors, law enforcement leaders, and Ocean County Commissioner Director Frank Sadeghi. “Class of 123, carry forward the values that brought you here,” said Sadeghi. “Lead with a purpose, act with honor, and never forget the difference you can make in Ocean County.”

The class also paused to honor the late Lt. John Tate, their class coordinator, whose career was a masterclass in discipline, sacrifice, and mentorship. Lt. Tate dedicated his life to training and guiding recruits, ensuring they were not only prepared for the job but grounded in the ‘why’ behind it.

Special awards were given to Christopher T. Cormann of the Stafford Township Police Department for High Physical Fitness and High Overall, Joshua J. Alvarez of the Trenton Police Department for High Marksmanship and Kartal L. Ozkanca of the Seaside Park Police Department for High Academic. The James J. Tracey Leadership Award was awarded to Nicholas J. Schano, Little Egg Harbor Police Department.  The Robert D. Melson Police Training Commission Merit Award was awarded to Wade J. Armstrong, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office. The graduates and their respective departments are Davies A. Adepoju, Wade J. Armstrong, Ryan C. Porter, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office; Joshua J. Alvarez, James J. Bueno, Dylan J. Kurfuss, Jennifer R. Quijada, Dakota A. Wilson, Trenton Police Department; Alexander E. Andreyev, Kevin P. Collins, Vincent G. Faruolo, Drew C. Gisinger, Jovany Marin-Silva, Vincent J. Marzullo, Antonio P. Meulendyke, Darren M. Miller, Christopher A. Miranda, Michael A. Rosario Jr., Robert J. Tapp, Seaside Heights Police Department; Brandon F. Austin, Bill P. Gomez, Joel M. Herbert, Nicholas P. Inneo, Jonathan E. Simpkins, Lakewood Police Department; Joshua M. Bollard, Matthew R. Herrick, Lance M. Hobbs, Jackson Twp. Police Department; James M. Borowski, Chancey G. Costa Jr., Robert L. Fattore, Brandon J. Kiddie, Justin T. Kilyk, Darren M. Miller, Callan T. Moody, Madison R. Noon, Jefferey H. Price, Kyle J. Rosenfeld, Connor J. Shevlin, Point Pleasant Beach Police Department; Megan C. Campanile, Frank R. Cioffi, John D. Inderwies, Ross Y. Inderwies, Ryan M. Laycock, Samantha L. Martuscelli, Brian A. McNeil, Kartal L. Ozkanca, Colin J. Sheeran, David M. Sypniewski, Dominick W. Tarricone, Seaside Park Police Department; Christopher T. Cormann, John E. Hart, Daniel A. Moran, Kevin M. Moran, Stafford Township Police Department; Jack R. Doyle, Aaron D. Johnson, Nicholas J. Schano, Little Egg Harbor Police Department; Samuel C. Hankins, Matthew C. Woit, Point Pleasant Borough Police Department; Matthew V. Pelcher, Conor C. Sheppard, Berkeley Township Police Department; Thomas M. Ruocco, Michael G. Thompson, Brick Township Police Department; Anthony J. Wilk, Florence Township Police Department.