Middletown, NJ- The Borough of Tinton Falls had four recruits graduate Firefighter 1 training on June 23rd. Firefighters Tim Anderson and Joey Tietz, from Tinton Falls Fire Company No.1; and Firefighters Mike Estelle and Mark Williams of Wayside Fire Company No. 2 (Tinton Falls) completed their training at Middletown Township Fire Academy. The Graduation ceremony began with the entire class marching into the Bayshore Middle School Auditorium as one disciplined unit, led by Middletown Fire Department Explorer Post 911 Color Guard. The focus on each recruit's face and the lock-in step precision they displayed made it clear that this was truly a culmination of three months of rigorous training.

The class had quality instructors that provided hands on and classroom training. Discipline and supervision was enforced in a para-military format throughout the course. Recruits completed housekeeping duties around the Academy, as well as drill and ceremony instruction. In addition to the tough New Jersey Firefighter 1 requirements, the recruits were taught Confined space Awareness; Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Awareness; Basic First Aid; Critical Incident Stress Management Awareness; Developmental Disabilities Awareness and Firefighter Wellness. Physical Training was implemented into the course curriculum. Physical training and firefighter wellness are important topics to the fire service. The United States Fire Administration released a comprehensive study that declares heart attacks as the leading cause of firefighter fatalities. It is important to provide the basics for physical conditioning, that the recruits can keep with them throughout their firefighting service. Middletown Fire Academy also incorporates almost double the required live fire training. That type of hands-on, real training is paramount when trying to provide a recruit with the conditions of which they are expected to perform.

The graduation ceremony continued, in front of family, friends and colleagues, with the recruits diligently marching into their seats with military precision. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Anderson, who served as Platoon Leader throughout the course. The invocation was delivered by Tinton Falls Fire Company No.1's Chaplain, Lieutenant Brendan Tobin. Tobin noted the commitment that the recruits have made during their training as well as the sacrifices that their families have made. That sentiment was echoed by the welcoming statement of Captain Dave D'Arcy, Director of the Academy, as well as the opening remarks of Chief Michael Chenoweth, Middletown Township Fire Department. Special Guest Speaker, Middletown Township Deputy Mayor Pamela Brightbill also applauded the efforts of all the recruits and made a point to highlight the efforts of female recruit Ashley Bracken. Historically, firefighting has been dominated by men. Today, there are numerous women who actively fight fire alongside their male counterparts, however, not without challenges. Brightbill praised the Middletown Township Fire Department, indicating that the volunteer organization is an invaluable asset to the Township.

Certificates were presented by Chenoweth to the new Middletown Firefighters and surrounding communities' Fire Chiefs presented certificates to their respective graduates. Graduating recruits also were from Union Beach, Fair Haven and Oakhurst, in addition to Middletown and Tinton Falls. Anderson addressed the class and audience with remarks outlining their accomplishments. Anderson also received the Merit Award for showing exceptional leadership, maintaining composure, as well as being well-rounded during the course, including his service as Class Platoon Leader. A sizable plaque including; a class picture, recruits names, an engraved message and a full size halligan mounted on it, was presented to D'Arcy and his staff on behalf of the spring graduating class.

As stated, by Brightbill, the Middletown Township Fire Department is an extraordinary asset to the Township. The Middletown Fire Academy provides the basis for the citizens' confidence within their fire department. The Borough of Tinton Falls also has benefited from the professionalism and effectiveness of Middletown Fire Academy. The Academy has turned over four well trained and educated firefighters to Tinton Falls. The Middletown Fire Academy itself is an asset, not only to Middletown, but also to the communities that send recruits through Middletown's Academy. D'Arcy runs a respectable, high quality Academy that deserves accolades from those who benefit from the results.

Congratulations to Tinton Falls' newest Firefighters, as well as the entire Middletown Township Fire Academy's Spring 2011 Firefighter 1 Graduates. The old Middletown Fire Academy slogan still rings true; "Training the best, for the worst".