To Serve and Protect

Posted: June 7, 2024

Ocean County Police Academy Basic Police Recruit Class No. 117 was recognized on June 7 during a graduation ceremony at Georgian Court University, Lakewood, following the successful completion of five months of intensive training at the academy which is led by Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy. The recruits were joined by family members and loved ones, their academy instructors and a host of law enforcement leaders and county Commissioners during the ceremony. “With the help of your very capable leaders and training instructors you achieved what for many is just a passing thought,” said Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Gary Quinn, in addressing the class. “You have successfully completed your initial training and today we celebrate your accomplishments.” Three of the recruits – Jessica A. Campana, Jason P. Glass, Alexander C. Maj – will be joining the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department. Police Academy Instructor Surf City Police Department Sgt. Sarah Roe also was recognized for her dedication to the training at the Academy. Class award winners were: Alexander Maj, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, the James J. Tracey Leadership Award; John A. Chelston, Joseph E. Ramirez, Maddox A. Samaritano, all Point Pleasant Beach Police Department, PTC Merit Award Winners; Kenneth J. Fortino, Point Pleasant Beach Police Department, High Overall Award; Nicholas C. Florio, Lakewood Police Department, High Academic Award and Class Valedictorian; Jack P. Coppolino, Seaside Heights Police Department, High Physical Fitness Award; Corey R. Maliff, Lakewood Police Department, High Marksmanship Award; and John A. Chelston, Anthony S. Concepcion, Sean M. Ferguson, Corey R. Maliff, Evan G. Ross, Daniel Wu, all Perfect Score Award. The following is a list of the graduating recruits and their respective police departments: Ryan J. Anderson, Joseph A. Stokes, both Asbury Park Police Department; Cory G. Azambuja, Anthony C. Ceras, John A. Chelston, Anthony S. Concepcion, Jack P. Coppolino, Brayden D. Curry, Dean G. DeFalco, John J. Forbey, Kenneth J. Fortino, Mark C. Ladzinski Jr., Joseph E. Ramirez, Maddox A. Samaritano and Daniel Wu, all Point Pleasant Beach Police Department; Jessica A. Campana, Jason P. Glass, and Alexander C. Maj, all Ocean County Sheriff’s Department; Robert K. Christian, Dylan A. DaCunha, Eddie De La Fuente, Sean M. Ferguson, Matthew Gatto and Evan D. Gisinger, all Seaside Park Police Department; Nicholas C. Florio, Corey R. Maliff and Nicholas S. Meyer, all Lakewood Police Department; Michael L. Madera and Donald D. Woit, Lavallette Police Department; Tyler J. Powasnick, Evan G. Ross and Nicholas S. Zbikowski, all Seaside Heights Police Department, and Christopher J. Waldron, Surf City Police Department.