The recruits of the Ocean County Police Academy’s Basic Police Class #99 marked the end of their initial training and began the next phase of their law enforcement careers as they graduated from the academy on Jan. 13.

The ceremony at Georgian Court University, here, marked the completion of 23-weeks of extensive training for the 40 recruits. The guest speaker at the ceremony was Lakewood Police Chief Robert Lawson.

“Graduation day is a very special day for the recruits and their families,” said Freeholder John P. Kelly, who serves as Director of Law and Public Safety. “I want to congratulate all of our new officers for their hard work during their time at the Ocean County Police Academy.”

The recruits of Class #99 began their training at the Ocean County Police Academy, located in Ocean County Park, here, in August, 2014.

Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy, who oversees the Academy, said the mission of the Academy is to prepare police recruits mentally, physically, ethically and with a proficiency of skills to perform police duties at a high level of competency.

“This mission is carried out by the dedicated instructors that work with our recruits making certain they are provided the tools they need to best serve their communities,” Mastronardy said.

Mastronardy noted that of the 40 graduates, six would be joining the ranks of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.

Freeholder Gerry P. Little, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Veterans Services Bureau, recognized the 17 recruits who served in the military.
“All of you come to the Academy with different backgrounds,” Little told the graduates. “As liaison to our Veterans Service Bureau, I am always so very proud to acknowledge our veterans who have returned from conflict and are now serving their communities. I am especially proud today to note that 17 of our graduates are veterans. Thank you all for your service.”

Recognized for their achievements while at the academy were Ryan E. Gashlin, Toms River Police Department, High Academic; Michael V. DeMaio, Brick Township Police Department, High Overall; Robert J. Tobias, Point Pleasant Police Department, High Physical Fitness; Michael V. DeMaio, Brick Township Police Department, High Marksmanship; Michael V. DeMaio, Brick Township Police Department, Distinguished Expert Perfect Score.

Jason P. DeBartolomeis, Lakewood Police Department, was the recipient of the James J. Tracey Leadership Award presented by the Ocean County Emerald Society.

The graduating members of Class 99 and their respective police departments are: Patrick W. Coletti, Thomas P. Eichen, Alexander J. Houle, Ryan M. Wahl and John K. Wilusz, Berkeley Township Police Department; Elton L. Copes, Brian G. Holt, Jason S. Lee, Christopher M. Meyler and Patrick Q. Watkins, Lacey Township Police Department.

And, Ryan K. Dancey, Jason P. DeBartolomeis, Christopher E. Dunphey, John T. Ganley, Craig R. Lawson, Eric M. Micallef and Eric R. Stefanelli, Lakewood Township Police Department; Michael V. DeMaio, Michael M. Dinnebeil, Jeffrey R. Melia and Daniel P. Testa, Brick Township Police Department; Martin D. Durkin, Scott J. Fallano, Ryan P. Fitzgerald, Ryan E. Gashlin, John R. Marsicano and Anthony V. Pacella, Toms River Police Department.

Also, Anthony E. Giacinti and Mainor G. Puerto, South Toms River Police Department; Christopher M. Henrich, Matthew F. Nickerson and Robert J. Tobias, Point Pleasant Police Department; Michael Morizio and Keith Uricks, Jackson Township Police Department; Curtis Nagel, Kenneth M. Schaal, Daniel R. Umlauf Jr., Bernadette K. Warren, William White, and Robert Word, all Ocean County Sheriff’s Office.

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