Mayor Kiley swears in Hazlet First Aid Captain to Police Department

Mayor Sue Kiley of Hazlet swore in Doug Centrone to become one of Hazlet’s newest police officers last week. Doug Centrone has been an Assistant Captain for the Hazlet First Aid and Rescue Squad for over 3 years. He is also a fireman with the North Centerville Fire Company for many years. He began his community service as a Cadet in both the Fire and First Aid Squads while attending Raritan High School.

Mayor Kiley noted Doug’s significant community service to the town in his appointment, “Doug has continuously demonstrated his dedication and abilities as a first responder in Hazlet over the years beginning in High School in our cadet programs. He has proven himself to be a reliable resource to Hazlet and has faced many challenging situations including his service during Hurricane Sandy.”

EMS Chief Steve Schmidt himself a retired Hazlet Police Officer said, “No one has worked harder for Hazlet and to become a Police Officer than Doug. Hazlet has gained a valuable employee with today’s appointment.” The Hazlet First Aid Squad has become a training ground for police officers as well as medical personnel. “We have now had four of our young people go through our training and become law enforcement officers and three other EMTs that have entered the medical field in the last few years. We try to groom all our people to be effective, world class first responders”

Hazlet First Aid President Jim Cavuto who is also a Police Officer added, “our cadet programs are selective and mentored with seasoned first responders. It is our objective to see our people succeed like Doug and we hope to provide the town with more quality, well trained and prepared people in the future.” The Hazlet First Aid and Rescue Squad is accepting applications for new Cadets and members for the fall season.

Mayor Sue Kiley closed the meeting thanking our volunteers for their service and promoting the Cadet Program. “Our Cadet programs in all our First Responder groups are critical to the long term success of our volunteer forces. The volunteer service beginning with the Cadets is essential to the town and we sincerely appreciate their dedication every day.”