OCEAN COUNTY – The Ocean County Police Academy graduated 29 new officers who will be joining local departments and ones throughout the state at Georgian Court University in Lakewood Township.
“This graduation marks a new beginning as you make your way into our communities as peace officers,” said Ocean County Commissioner Gary Quinn in addressing the graduates. “I want you to know it has been our privilege to help provide you with the tools you will need as law enforcement officers. You perform vital services that make our communities better.”
Quinn serves as liaison to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office. He joined Ocean County Commissioner Virginia E. Haines, Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, the Reverend James Occhipinti along with other officials, family and friends in celebrating the graduates.
Berkeley Police Chief Kevin Santucci gave the keynote address at the graduation ceremony at Ocean County Park in Lakewood. There were a number of award winners from the Police Academy Graduation Basic Class #115: Gregory M. Cannon, Lakewood Police, the James J. Tracey Leadership Award; Sara C. Brooks, Lakewood Police, the PTC Merit Award; Zachary M. Hopkins, Toms River Police, High Academic Award; Zachary M. Hopkins, Toms River Police, High Overall Award and High Physical Fitness Award; Gregory M. Cannon, Lakewood Police; High Marksmanship Award; Gregory M. Cannon, Mark D. Dworzanski, Zachary M. Hopkins and Ramoncito Mauricio, the Perfect Score Award.
The graduates and their respective police departments are: James A. Ashe, Christopher Bilak, William S. Borke IV, Jean G. Candelaria, Christian Cella, Vincent M. Crawford, Mark D. Dworzanski, Nicholas G. Konopka, Ramoncito Mauricio, Jordan J. Quilca, Dayne E. Sabo, Anthony Scalia and Edwin A. Zorrilla-Poueriet, all Bayonne Police; Frank L. Astudillo, Long Branch Police; Tamara E. Bivens, Pemberton Police; Sara C. Brooks, Gregory M. Cannon, Leticia V. Diaz and John C. Pannone, all Lakewood Police; Dylan T. DeWysockie, Holmdel Police; Michael C. DiFrancia, Little Egg Harbor Police; Brendan J. Flanzbaum and Victor M. Matay, both Keansburg Police; Marc A. Fusciello, Lacey Police; Zachary M. Hopkins and Ryan J. Litterer, both Toms River Police; Thomas P. Kimball III, Mansfield Police; Thomas A. Micklos III, Berkeley Police and Thomas B. Paulikas, Jamesburg Police.
