Local Heroes to be Honored by 200 Club of Ocean County

Rescuing people from burning homes and cars, pulling victims from rip currents, no, it's not Superman but local police, fire department volunteers and emergency medical personnel right here in Ocean County.

The extraordinary acts of bravery of uniformed first responders are being celebrated this Thursday June 13th at the Toms River Holiday Inn during an annual Awards Reception being hosted by the 200 Club of Ocean County. Vice President David Paulus says they also recognize those who've served for many years by giving out meritorious service awards.

"So, after thirty, forty years, they've been a fireman or a firewoman. Those are the things that make these awards fantastic, says Paulus"

This year is also going to be unique because it celebrates first responders who went above and beyond the call of duty during Superstorm Sandy according to Paulus. "We've actually separated those who have, call it, the standard putting their lives on the line and then we've separated them to the first responders who are involved with regard to Hurricane Sandy, giving them citations for their heroic efforts."

Paulus says the 200 club also raises money to help the families of fallen or seriously ill state troopers, local police, fire department volunteers and first aid personnel.

2013 Heroes :

• Officer Kyle Grace of the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department who saved a drowning victim trapped on a jetty.
• Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Chief Matthew Letts and Long Beach Township Police officer Gerald Traynor who rescued four people caught in a rip current.
• 1st Lieutenant Bruce Miller, Firefighter Bill Nicoll and Firefighter Andrew Hoehn of Toms River Fire Company #2 who entered a fully engulfed home to rescue a trapped victim.
• Meritorious Service Award recipient Ex-Chief James Granato Sr. of the Forked River Volunteer Fire Company who served 39 years.
• Meritorious Service Award recipient Ex-Chief Paul Barcalow of the Forked River Volunteer Fire Company who served 42 years.
• Meritorious Service Award recipient Ex-Chief Alan Abrecht of the Forked River Volunteer Fire Company who served 38 years.
• A special unit citation will be given to all members and organizations of the uniformed services in Ocean County and New Jersey State Police for their work and dedication in responding to Superstorm Sandy.

The reception starts at 6 p.m. at the Toms River Holiday Inn. This year's Keynote Speaker is new Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato. Tickets for the reception are $25. For more information call 732-600-7422 or email them at member@200clubocean.Org

The 200 club is composed of private citizens, and new members are always welcome. Learn more at http://www.200clubocean.org.