Rising to Serve
After completing the rigorous training required to serve their communities, 25 recruits received their respective volunteer fire company badge during graduation ceremonies on February 9 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. Manchester Mayor Joseph Hankins, also a past Chief of the Manchester Fire Department, delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the responsibility and honor that comes with the badge. Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace congratulated the new firefighters on behalf of the Board of Commissioners. “Becoming a firefighter is not just about mastering skills or completing training, it is about earning the trust of your community,” said Arace. “That trust is earned, and tonight you’ve earned it and Ocean County is proud of you.”
The following is a list of graduates and their respective fire companies: Robert Ackerman, Jr., Kreisler Fortes and Jack Koehler, Forked River Fire Department; Madsion Braun and Nicholas Knipple, Seaside Heights Fire Department; Nathan Brindley and Scott Brindley, Barnegat Light Fire Department; Tyler Chervencik, Lanoka Harbor Fire Department; Christopher Colacci and Christopher Pollina, West Tuckerton Fire Department; Joshua Davis and Daniel Mitchell, Lakehurst Fire Department; Elvir Divanovic, Bradden Galassi and Robert Price, Jr., Waretown Fire Department; Michael Ford, Lavallette Fire Department; Matthew Linsley, Beachwood Fire Department; Melissa Myslinski, Mystic Island Fire Department; Austin Nahrwold, Manitou Park Fire Department; Matthew Perez, Pleasant Plains Fire Department; Jonathan Rainforth and Trent Stanfield, Pinewald Pioneer Fire Department; Cole Rizzolo and Reece Rizzolo, Whiting Fire Department; and Ricardo Rubio, Stafford Township Fire Department.
Special recognition was also presented during the ceremony. The Father Mychal Judge Award for Leadership was awarded to Tyler Chervenick, Lanoka Harbor Fire Department; Melissa Myslinski, Mystic Island Fire Department was awarded the Stanley Marks/Alex Letyshev High Achievement Award; and the Davenport Brotherhood Award was awarded to Madison Braun, Seaside Heights Fire Department.
Congratulations to the Fall 2025 Graduates!
