Brevent Park Firefighters Graduate County Academy

Three members of Middletown's graduated last week from the Firefighter I program at the .

Robert Allen, Brian Conover and Kevin Conover, all from the fire company located in the section of , graduated with nine other firefighters from Monmouth and Ocean counties as part of the academy’s Class 93.

Altogether, 66 firefighters, divided into two classes: Class 92 and Class 93 graduated in the ceremonies held at the Fire Academy in Howell on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The graduates studied for 188 hours in over 30 sessions and received training in rescue, fire extinguishment, hazardous materials response, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, electrical safety, and care of hoses, ladders and other equipment according to information received from the

“You have stepped forward to serve others, and you will have rewards,” said in his address to Class 93.

“You will answer the call and place your lives on the line to save someone else’s life and property, because that is what you are trained to do,” Curley continued.  “You have such an extraordinary challenge because so many people will look up to you.”

“Public service comes in many forms, and some are more dangerous than others,” said in her address to Class 92.

“The job you are about to embark on is dangerous,” Burry went on. “I am confident that you will succeed because of the training you received at this academy by these fine instructors.”

A graduate from each class earned an award in honor of Ronald Fitzpatrick, a former instructor at the academy who died in 2003.

This semester’s awards went to Jeffrey Daley, Class 92, of the Oakhurst Fire Company in Ocean Township, and Daniel O’Leary, Class 93, of the Point Pleasant Beach #2 Fire Company in recognition of their high test scores.

congratulated the latest
graduates and urged them to continue their training with advanced courses
offered at the Fire Academy.

"Over the years I have learned that it takes a special type of person to be a firefighter,” Stryker said. “They have to have a passion to do this job.

"The graduates sitting before us have that passion because they have completed the rigorous training as their first step," Stryker continued. "Please be safe.”

“I have no doubt you will be an asset to your community,” said William Itinger, chief training officer. “These firefighter graduates are to be commended for their dedication and willingness to serve,"

Go out and join the ranks of the firefighting community," he added. "Be safe, and have good careers.”

Each year thousands of local firefighters receive training at the county Fire
Academy. Applications for the spring 2012 Firefighter I class are being accepted now. Classes will begin in February.