TOMS RIVER – Ocean County Police Academy graduated 21 new officers during a ceremony on August 13 at Ocean County College. The ceremony celebrated the completion on months-long training for the 105th Basic Police Recruit Class.
Members from the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, and local law enforcement were present for the event.
“This graduation marks a new beginning as you make your way into our communities as law enforcement officers,” said Ocean County Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little. “As an officer you will be called upon to assume many roles in the community, from a mentor to a counselor to a leader.
“We appreciate your hard work and your dedication. We know you will continue to make our County a safe place for our residents.”
Sheriff Mastronardy noted that these 21 new officers are well-equipped and prepared to take on the responsibility after completing the intensive training.
Various awards were given out during the ceremony, including:
- Joseph M. Hans, Lakewood Police Department: James J. Tracey Leadership Award
- Robert A. Gravina, Jackson Township Police Department: Police Training Commission Merit Award
- Richard P. Zieser, Berkeley Township Police Department: High Academic Award
- Robert A. Gravina, Jackson Township Police Department: High Overall Award and High Physical Fitness Award
- Michael J. La Montagne, Little Egg Harbor Police Department: High Marksmanship Award and Distinguished Expert Perfect Score.
Christine M. Geskey of Toms River Police, Michael J. La Montagne of Little Egg Harbor Police, Nicholas J. Romeo of Lakewood Police, and Michael S. Sasso of Berkeley Police were also recognized for perfect scores in one or more of the three qualifying firearms rounds.
