Today’s Sunbeam
CARNEYS POINT TWP., N.J. — The Salem County Fire Academy recently graduated 15 new volunteer firefighters.
The recruits recently completed a rigorous 165-hour course which spanned more than four months.
The new volunteer firefighters took their oaths during a ceremony at Salem Community College’s Davidow Theatre on Wednesday night. Board of Chosen Freeholders Director Lee Ware and Assemblyman John Burzichelli each offered their congratulations and heartfelt thanks to all in the graduating class, as well as those other fire service personnel in attendance.
Deputy Fire Marshal Jeffrey Hoffman asked that they seek to build the fire service ranks by urging other family members to join the ranks of the fire service.
The evening’s keynote speaker was Chief William D. Dukes (Ret.) of the Mt. Laurel Fire Department. Dukes spoke about the four C’s of the fire service — competence, commitment, compassion and courage.
The graduates were congratulated on stage after receiving their certificate packets from Ware, Director of Emergency Services Jeffrey Pompper and Dukes. Burzichelli presented each of the graduates with a special citation memorializing their achievements.
During the ceremony, special recognition awards were presented to the following firefighters:
- Perfect Attendance Recognitions: Michael Koestler, Ewan Fire Company; David Masker, Alloway Township Fire Company; Joseph McPherson, Greenwich Fire and Rescue Co.; Anthony Smith, Pennsville Fire and Rescue Co. No. 1; and Bradley Van Pelt, Greenwich Fire and Rescue Co.
- Academic Achievement Award: Joseph McPherson, Greenwich Fire and Rescue Co.
- Lead Instructor’s Award for Leadership: Michael Koestler, Ewan Fire Company.
- Battalion Chief Excellence: Bradley Van Pelt, Greenwich Fire and Rescue Co.
In a special presentation during the graduation, the fire academy staff honored Chief Donald Eller, of Pennsville, with a recognition plaque. Eller recently stepped down as the chief of the county fire police organization after serving 19 years as chief. He has been an active member of that organization for 37 years.
The PSEG Nuclear Fire Department sponsored an award given to the firefighter recruit in each of the Firefighter 1 programs who displays the highest level of dedication and commitment to his educational requirements, as well as their skill set, during a FF1 class. The recipient is chosen by the academy’s instructor staff.
The recipient of the PSEG Nuclear Fire Department-Instructor’s Award was Joseph McPherson of Greenwich Fire and Rescue Company.
Members of the Firefighter 1 graduating class were: Jeremy J. Castro, Elmer Fire Department; Sean P. Dennis, Pennsville Fire and Rescue Co. No. 1; Elliot M. Hodges, Auburn Fire Company; Michael J. Koestler, Ewan Fire Co.; David J. Masker, Alloway Township Fire Company; Tanner B. McAllister, Alloway Township Fire Company; Joseph S. McPherson, Greenwich Fire Company; Ryan D. Nutt, Daretown Fire Company; James A. Piel, Deepwater Fire Department; Brad L. Saddler, Salem Fire Dept.-Union Co. No. 1; Brandon A. Saddler, Salem Fire Dept.-Liberty Co. No. 2; Edward A. Saddler, Salem Fire Dept.-Union Co. No. 1; William A. Seddon, Elsinboro Fire Company; Anthony Smith, Pennsville Fire and Rescue Co. No. 1; and Bradley W. VanPelt, Greenwich Fire Company.
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