Caldwell Firefighters Commended for Completing Training

A ceremony was held last month for the first class to complete the "Basic Firefighting I" course at the Essex County College Police Academy in Cedar Grove.

The graduates were commended by the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders. District 4 Freeholder Leonard M. Luciano of West Caldwell presented a board commendation to four representatives of the nine-member class, all of whom are currently serving as volunteer firefighters in their home towns. 

The class was comprised of: Benjamin Molina of the Bloomfield Fire Department; David Eucker, Jared Hoholick, Stephen Saldutto and Darren Sinclair of the ; Darin Keepers and Zachary Lynch of the Cedar Grove Fire Department; Andrew Vogel of the Roseland Fire Department; and Christopher Scheper of the Verona Fire Department.

During his presentation to the graduates, Luciano recounted his personal experiences when his own home was engulfed in flames on Memorial Day weekend of 2008. 

“I’ve seen firefighters in action on television and in the movies many, many times,” said Luciano, “but it’s an entirely different story when you witness their skill and bravery in person, and especially when they’re putting their own lives on the line to save your loved ones and your home.” 

He added, “I didn’t think it was possible for me to have more respect for firefighters than I already had, but I do! On behalf of the entire Board, I want to thank you for your hard work, your determination to increase your training and knowledge, and for your courageous service to your communities.”

The “Basic Firefighter I” course, a 16-week class that began in June, was focused on both classroom theory and hands-on drill sessions, during which students learned the basics of nationally recognized firefighting and safety techniques, including the handling of blood-borne pathogens and awareness in handling hazardous materials. Upon completion of the class, the students are also required to take the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety standardized basic firefighting test.

This was the first course to be offered by the Essex County College Police Academy, under the direction of Director Rocco Miscia. Additional firefighting courses are being scheduled and the second “Basic Firefighter I” class in already under way.

The Essex County Police Academy was acquired by Essex County College in 1998. With the introduction of these firefighting courses, the scope of the Police Academy has been expanded beyond being strictly a police and law enforcement security training facility. Essex County College is led by , President.

Abdullah and Lt. Michael Tomich, the Fire & EMS Training Coordinator at the Police Academy (who represented Miscia), also attended the meeting.