State Forest Firefighter among first responders being honored

First responders are our first line of defense in our communities, those who protect and serve, are a friendly ear and come to the rescue without hesitation.

It's a special kind of calling and all these men and women go above and beyond often to keep us safe, sometimes without us even realizing all that they do.

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We can say thank you everyday but groups like the 200 Club of Ocean County ensure that these men and women who go above and beyond, our heroes among heroes are recognized for what they do.

The 200 Club of Ocean County will be honoring 38 such individuals at their annual awards reception on June 11 at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center on Route 37 in Toms River at 6:00 pm.

It is a public event and tickets are $50.00 for non-members of the club and proceeds are going into the 200 Club Fund to help support Ocean County’s Police Officers, Firefighters, First Aid Members and the New Jersey State Police.

Here are the first responders being honored this year by the 200 Club of Ocean County as mentioned in a statement.

2021 Heroes

Toms River Police Officer John Carolan will be receiving a Valor Award for his courageous actions during the attempted rescue of a victim in a fully engulfed residential fire.

Ocean County Sheriff's Department Officers Michael Schumann, Matthew Tapp, Wayne Jackson, Alexandra Kern and Sergeant David DeLeuw risked their lives and safety searching for a missing individual in deep woods for many hours.

Surf City lifeguards Scott Megitt and Charlie Osborne will be receiving Life Saving Awards for rescuing a pilot from a banner plane that crashed in the ocean.

Firefighters Michael Delaney and Cole Hadley of Brick Fire District 1, Pioneer Hose Company #1 courageously saved the life of an individual in a heavily involved structural fire.

Brick Police Patrolman Anthony Chadwick and William Roncskevitz of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service are receiving Life Saving Awards for their efforts in saving the life of a fellow firefighter who experienced a medical emergency during a large forest fire.

Point Pleasant Beach Police Sergeant Gary Siculietano worked quickly to render aid to a stabbing victim, saving his life.

Chuck Wilson of the Stafford Township EMS is receiving a Meritorious Service Award for 41 years in First Aid Service.

Silverton Volunteer Fire Company #1 Firefighter John Reilly is being awarded for 44 years in Fire Service.

2020 Heroes

Mantoloking Police Patrolman Scott Dryburgh and Sergeant Jon Meyer, Bay Head Police Patrolman Sean Vaughn and Captain Todd LaRue and Special Officer James Kohout and K-9 Kane of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department are receiving Valor Awards for their heroic efforts during a deadly situation with a dangerous individual.

Manchester Police Patrolman Thomas Dill and Patrolwoman Jordan Weed saved the life of an individual during a deadly medical situation.

Manchester Police Patrolwoman Jordan Weed is receiving a Life Saving Award for her quick actions saving the life of an infant after a premature birth.

Seaside Park Police Officer Daniel Maguire’s swift actions saving the life of a choking child earned him a Life Saving Award.

Ocean Township Police Patrolmen Russ Moller, Greg Mezzanotte, and Sergeant James Capaccio Jr. risked their own lives rescuing an individual in a locked garage with a running motor.

Brick Township Police Officers Tyler Stephenson and Kevin Docherty will be receiving Life Saving Awards for their actions saving the life of a choking toddler.

Richard Molner Sr. of the Lavallette Volunteer Fire Company is being awarded for 48 years in Fire Service.

Manchester Township Volunteer Fire Company #1 Firefighter William Barron is receiving a Meritorious Service Award for 44 years in Fire Service.

Edward Hazelton of the Manahawkin Fire Department served in Fire Service for 46 years.

Phyllis Smith of the Lanoka Harbor Fire Department is being awarded for 41 years in Fire Service.

Silver Ridge Park First Aid Squad #44 Firefighter Bernie Crogan has served in First Aid Service for over 40 years.

Manitou Park Fire Company Firefighter John Risk is receiving a Meritorious Service Award for 49 years in Fire Service.

Joseph Jubert Jr. of the Manitou Park Fire Company is being awarded for 40 years in Fire Service.

Daniel DeCross Jr. of the Manitou Park Fire Company is receiving a Meritorious Service Award for 40 years in Fire Service.

Manitou Park Fire Company Firefighter Patrick Piccoli is being awarded for 42 years in Fire Service.

Keith Gaskill of the Manitou Park Fire Company served for over 42 years and is being awarded for his service.

The 200 Club of Ocean County said they will also announced the recipients of the David Ascione Memorial Scholarships which are given to family members of uniformed services personnel attending Ocean County College.

You can learn more about the 200 Club of Ocean County at www.200clubocean.org.

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