The Monmouth County Fire Academy, Howell, recently graduated 30 volunteers from the Firefighter I program. The ceremony was held Aug. 12.

Members of Class No. 82 attended weekend classes at the fire academy and completed 164 hours of course work over 24 sessions. They received training in rescue, fire extinguishment, hazardous materials response, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, electrical safety, and care of hoses, ladders and other equipment, according to a press release.

“As graduates of this program you will serve your friends, neighbors and community as you embark on a public service career,” Monmouth County Freeholder Director Barbara J. McMorrow said. “By virtue of becoming a volunteer firefighter, each of you will have an occasion to go above and beyond the call of duty. Be assured it is not something we forget or take lightly.

“The graduates of Class 82 are ready to join the ranks of 6,000 other active local firefighters,” McMorrow continued. “As firefighters, you will join other emergency responders who are available at all times. Your ability to react properly and safely can be attributed to the training you have just completed and this training will serve you well when confronted with life and death situations.”

“These firefighter graduates are to be commended for their dedication and willingness to serve,” said William Itinger, chief training officer at the county facility. “This class had some tough days and some good days. They are ready to provide a great service to their communities as they carry out their important duties.”

Each firefighter was awarded a certificate of course completion by McMorrow, Itinger and First Deputy Fire Marshal Henry Stryker.

Each year thousands of local firefighters receive training at the county fire academy.

The local graduates are: Zachary S. Caruso, Freehold Township Independent Fire Co. No. 1; Michael J. Fogarty Jr., Freehold Township Independent Fire Co. No. 1; Joseph N. Heaton, Farmingdale.

And, Christopher Holmes, Morganville Independent Fire Co., Marlboro; Jules M. Kwiatkowski, Robertsville Fire Company, Marlboro; Stephen T. Lengyel, Freehold Township Independent Fire Co. No. 1; Thomas J. Merker, Manalapan Township Fire Co. No. 1.

Also, Ronald J. Osadacz, Morganville Fire Co., Marlboro; Jason B. Patel, Robertsville Fire Company, Marlboro; Stanley R. Patterson Jr., Freehold Fire Department, Freehold Borough; Kyle F. Reese, Freehold Township Independent Fire Co. No. 1; and Daniel F. Xavier, Freehold Fire Department, Freehold Borough.