Crime & Safety
Keyport, Aberdeen Firefighters Honored at County Ceremony
Medals of valor and citations for bravery were awarded to firefighters who braved Hurricane Sandy's aftermath.
Monmouth County officials held a solemn ceremony on Oct. 6 to pay tribute to 44 firefighters who died in the line of service.
They also tipped their hats to current firefighters who have distinguished themselves with bravery.
“No matter what time of day or night that alarm goes off, you answer the call to serve,” Freeholder John P. Curley told the firefighters and their families at the ceremony led by the Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office. “Some answered that call and never returned home. Today, we honor their memories and continue our pledge to never forget.”
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Fire Marshal Henry A. Stryker III said, “Our coastal and Bayshore communities felt the brunt of Sandy and these responders worked tirelessly to assist their residents. We are grateful for your service.”
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2013 Award Recipients
Valor awards were presented to the following:
Chief Brian Prochnow, Adelphia Fire Company #2, Howell Twp.
First Assistant Chief Robert Tice, Adelphia Fire Company #2, Howell Twp.
Firefighter Shimon Miller, Adelphia Fire Company #2, Howell Twp.
Lieutenant Andrew Murphy, Sea Bright Fire Department
Firefighter Jacob Simon, Sea Bright Fire Department
Firefighter Tom Gavin, Deal Fire Department
Certificates of recognition were presented to the following:
Patrolman Chris Fisler, Sea Bright Police Department
Patrolman Nicholas Vaccaro, Deal Police Department
Captain Mike Nevitt, Keyport First Aid
First Lieutenant Dan Neff, Keyport First Aid
EMT Connor Daukshus, Keyport First Aid
EMT Darnell McDonald, Keyport First Aid
EMT Jessica Walling, Keyport First Aid
EMT Amanda Wycoff, Keyport First Aid
Unit Citations were awarded to the following:
Sea Bright Fire Department
Keyport Fire Department
Morganville Independent Fire Company, Marlboro
Oak Shades Hose & Chemical, Aberdeen
Holmdel Fire Company #1
Holmdel Fire Company #2
Cliffwood Volunteer Fire Company, Aberdeen
Union Beach Fire Company
Union Hose Fire Company, Union Beach
Union Gardens Fire Company, Union Beach
Harris Gardens Fire Company, Union Beach
Special recognition was given to Monmouth County Department of Public Works & Engineering employees who are credited with efforts to rescue more than 350 residents in Union Beach, Belmar and Lake Como. They are: Joseph M. Grasso, Michael J. Rigby, Marc J. Metzinger, David T. Milmoe, Ronald J. Boyce, Nicholas I. Killmer, Daniel Adler, David G. Hanisch, Kenneth A. Fahnholz, Gary Fread and Donald Holmes.
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