LAKEWOOD – Thirty-two new police officers recently graduated as part of the 112th Basic Police Recruit Class at Georgian Court University.
The new officers were cheered on by family and friends, and recognized by a host of public officials and local law enforcement leaders during a ceremony on October 7.
Stafford Township Police Chief Thomas Dellane was the keynote speaker. The class was also addressed by Ocean County Commissioner Gary Quinn, liaison to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, which oversees the Ocean County Police Academy.
Quinn noted, “your training at the Ocean County Police Academy began April 29. During this time, you were provided access to the best of instructors, met mentors that will continue to assist you throughout your career and received the tools you will need to start out in your police work.”
“I can say with great certainty, the Ocean County Board of Commissioners supports you and the work you do 100 percent. “Your work makes a difference in our communities and our neighborhoods every single day,” Quinn added.
Graduates receiving awards during the ceremony included: Pierce G. Drzymkowski, Point Pleasant Police Department, the James J. Tracey Leadership Award, High Academic Award, High Marksmanship Award and Perfect Score in qualifying firearms rounds; Shane P. Evans, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, PTC Merit Award Winner and High Overall Award; and Coleton D. Bucci, Burlington Township Police Department; High Physical Fitness Award. Also receiving a perfect score in three qualifying firearms rounds were Riley R. Fahnholz, Anthony B. Rossi, Shawn C. Spina, Nicholas J. Tavalaiccio and Alexander W. Trust.
The graduates and their respective police departments are Haaris Ahmad, Brookdale Police Department; Angelica G. Bran, Matthew Z. Devera, Nancy M. Garcia, Olivia E. Krasucki, Alexander Kruczyk, Alexios Lambos, Andrew M. Michael, Christopher C. Shaw, Jr., Daniel A. Veliz, Brian J. Wehnert, Bayonne Police Department; Coleton D. Bucci, Michael C. Fell, Austin C. Wilk, Burlington Township Police Department; Sean R. Capper, William A. Kirchoff, Ryan D. Rodriguez, Anthony B. Rossi, Nicholas J. Tavalaiccio, Brick Township Police Department.
The graduation class also includes: Nicholas M. Chianca, Jasmin Colon, Belmar Police Department; Pierce G. Drzymkowski, Point Pleasant Police Department; Shane P. Evans, Alexander W. Trust, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department; Riley R. Fahnholz, Kayle R. Reale, Jackson Township Police Department; Julian A. Guzman, Leonardo Shimonovich, Lakewood Police Department; Timothy J. Perruso, Lavallette Police Department; Matthew J. Robles, Mullica Township Police Department; Shawn C. Spina, Lacey Township Police Department and Jared S. Wigert, Bay Head Police Department
