Four Lakewood firefighters, including three career firefighters and one volunteer, graduated Wednesday from the Toms River Fire Academy’s summer recruit class.

The class consisted of 16 firefighters from departments across the area, including six from Toms River, as well as firefighters from Lakewood, Brick, Howell, Point Pleasant, Oakhurst and East Brunswick.

Academy officials stressed during the graduation ceremony that this was one of the youngest academy classes they’ve ever had. Nearly half of the graduates are also following in their fathers’ footsteps, continuing proud family traditions in the fire service.

Lakewood Fire Chief Yahr served as the guest speaker and spoke to the graduates about the importance of firefighters looking out for one another, being there to help others when they are in need, and the responsibilities they now have to the public.

The four Lakewood firefighters who graduated are:

• Michael J. Santos
• John Cawley
• Dylan Dickenson
• Fraida Brogna

They will be sworn in at an official ceremony at an upcoming Board of Fire Commissioners meeting.