To Protect and Serve

Posted: April 25, 2025

Ocean County Police Academy Basic Police Class #120 was recognized during graduation ceremonies at Georgian Court University, Lakewood, on April 25.

Surrounded by family, friends and police officers from around Ocean County, the 45 new police officers began their training at the academy on Nov. 8.

“This graduation marks a new beginning as our police recruits make their way into our communities as peace officers,” said Ocean County Commissioner Virginia E. Haines who spoke on behalf of the Board of Commissioners. “As an officer you assume many roles in the community including a mentor, counselor, friend, and protector.

“Today, as you accept the badge of peace officer, you enter into a noble vocation but one fraught with danger and uncertainty,” she told the new officers. “You’ll face many challenges, but remember that these come with unique rewards – the opportunity to serve, protect, and make a difference.”

Haines was joined on the dais by Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Frank Sadeghi, Ocean County Undersheriff’s Jon G. Lombardi and Thomas Dellane, Police Academy Director, Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael T. Nolan Jr., numerous police chiefs and law enforcement officials.

Those recruits receiving awards during the ceremony were: Jared J. Schworn, Long Beach Township Police Department, James J. Tracey Leadership Award; Robert J. Gunnell, III, Long Beach Township Police Department, Robert D. Melson Police Training Commission Merit Award; Bryan T. Laureigh, Ship Bottom Police Department,  High Academic Award; Keoni M. Lieter, Long Beach Township Police Department, High Overall Award; Ryan Dugan, Ship Bottom Police Department, High Physical Fitness Award, and Nicholas P. Petrow, Point Pleasant Beach Police Department,High Marksmanship Award.

The graduates of Basic Police Class #120 and their respective police departments are: Jack R. Akins, Parker S. Amato, Andrew J. Guida, Noah H. Keenan, Jacob C. Layton, Jason T. Lind, Haley K. Maness, Gia M. Pedone, Nicholas P. Petrow and Matthew E. Rossi, all Point Pleasant Beach Police Department; Matthew A. Caporrino, Ocean Gate Police Department; Anthony M. Carcaldi, Thomas A. Schork, and Ethan J. Seelandt, all Belmar Police Department; Tyler G. Connelly and Cole J. Groschel, Brick Township Police Department; Luke D. Cox, Max W. Garris, Dakota L. Giglio, Ryan C. Jackson, Casey D. Jacoby, Thomas G. Shadiack and Ashley L. Zagacki, all Seaside Park Police Department; Benjamin A. DellaPietro, III and Tyler M. Demmerle, Beach Haven Police Department.

And, Dominic M. DeStefano and Paul Mazzeo, III, Mantoloking Police Department; Christian Dugan, Ryan Dugan, Joseph D. Fiorello and Bryan T. Laureigh, all Ship Bottom Police Department; Francisco J. Flores, Justin M. Moore and Kyle R. Roemmele, all Seaside Heights Police Department; Robert J. Gunnell, III, Keoni M. Lieter, Ryan P. O’Cone and Jared J. Schworn, all Long Beach Township Police Department; Christian Guzman and Ronald P. Heinzman, Jr., Lakewood Police Department; Ryan J. Martinez and Quinn L. Waters, Lavallette Police Department; Kevin P. Mecca, Surf City Police Department; Nicholas M. Petrucelli, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office and Tyler F. Piazza, Lumberton Police Department.