Hillsborough Firefighter Graduates Marine Corps Boot Camp

Hillsborough, NJ – It was a natural fit for Tyler Skolnik to join the Marine Corps after serving his community since he was a student at Hillsborough High School.

Skolnick, a life-long Hillsborough native, graduated from Recruit Training at Marine Corp Recruit Depot at Parris Island on April 1.

But his service to his country and community began when he was 17 when he joined Hillsborough Fire Company 3 – Station 38 as a junior firefighter.

“It just seemed like the right thing to do,” Stolnik told Patch. “ My parents raised me to take care of people around you. So I signed up for it and as soon as I got involved, I loved it. It quickly became a passion of mine.”

When Skolnik turned 18 he went to the Somerset County Training Academy for Firefighter 1 training. He continued to serve not only in the fire department but then as an EMT where he was certified by the state.

Continuing to follow his passion, Skolnik went to the Univeristy of New Haven to study Fire Science. While there he wanted to do more.

“I love to serve my community and I wanted to go out and serve my country as well,” Skolnik said.

He signed up for the Marine Corps.

During boot camp, Skolnik had to complete 13 weeks of training consisting of more than 80 hours of classroom instructional time with rifle range qualifications and swim qualifications.

And the final test, called the “Crucible” took 54 hours, over 40 miles of obstacles and different challenges along the way.

Skolnik points to his firefighting and EMT training to help him through boot camp.

“It absolutely gave me the skills to stay calm in certain situations and the ability to handle high stress environments,” Skolnik said.

Hillsborough Fire Deputy Chief Kazar attended Skolnik's graduation along with his family friends.

"Congratulations, kid! All of us at 38 could not be more proud!" Station 38 posted on Facebook.

Having graduated from boot camp, Skolnik will move onto the next set of training -- Marine combat training in North Carolina.

(Photo, Skolnik's Facebook: Tyler Skolnik)