Bayonne Swears In 17 New Firefighters

At a ceremony held in the Bayonne City Hall Council Chambers, seventeen new firefighters took their oath of office.  The swearing in ceremony was held after the firefighters passed a competitive civil service test and fire academy training.

The new firefighters are Sean Brow, Vincent Crawford, Moataz Elnaggar, Patrick Jarczewski, Matthew Blanchard, Evan Smith, Brandon Russo, Jeremy Ives, Jacob Lucarelli, James Marnell, James Tyminski, Jan Skora, James Ryan, David Folger, Nicholas Pivano, Jayro Navedo Mercedes, and Conor Farley.

Mayor Jimmy Davis urged the new firefighters to “learn every single day.”  A city press release says the Mayor “assured them that they have joined “the best” fire department.  Saying “you represent the City of Bayonne,” Mayor Davis reminded the new recruits to “respect the uniform.”  He promised to provide them with all of the technology and equipment that they will need.”  

Public Safety Director Robert Kubert explained that the new recruits were needed to help replenish the ranks of the Fire Department following the retirement of nearly forty firefighters.  He thanked Mayor Davis and the City Council for their support of the Fire and Police Departments.

According to Fire Chief Keith Weaver, since 2014, Bayonne has hired “well over” 100 new recruits to replace several rounds of retired firefighters.  The Chief told the new firefighters that they have “the best job in the world,” and promised them that “there are many achievements that lie ahead.”  

City Council Member At-Large Loyad Booker recognized that the new recruits “have gone through a tough time” to become firefighters.  He said, “The journey begins today.”  Councilman Booker urged the firefighters to “look out for each other.”  

The city provided the following biographical information on the new firefighters:

Firefighter Sean Brow is a graduate of Carteret High School. He continued his education at Rutgers University. Before becoming a firefighter, he worked for Kinder Morgan as a petroleum operator.

Firefighter Vincent Crawford graduated from North Arlington High School.  Then he furthered his education at Rowan University and Bergen Community College, where he studied Computer Science.  He also served as a police officer for the City of Bayonne.

Firefighter Moataz Elnaggar is a graduate of Marist High School.  He continued his education at New Jersey City University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science.  He served as a Firefighter/EMT in Harrison.

Firefighter Patrick Jarczewski graduated from St. Peter’s Prep.  At Rutgers University, he earned a degree in Sports Management.

Firefighter Matthew Blanchard is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  He furthered his education at Hudson County Community College, where he majored in Psychology.  

Firefighter Evan Smith is a graduate of Monmouth Regional High School.  He furthered his education at the University of Delaware, majoring in criminal justice.  He also served as a firefighter in Millstone, New Jersey.  

Firefighter Brandon Russo is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  He continued his education at New Jersey City University, where he earned a degree in Fire Science.  He also worked at Training Specialties as a Hazmat Technician.

Firefighter Jeremy Ives is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  At St. Peter’s University, he earned a degree in History.  Prior to his firefighting career, he was a teacher in the Bayonne School District for nine years.  

Firefighter Jacob Lucarelli is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  He then went on to attend Lincoln Tech.  Before becoming a firefighter, he was employed in construction for the L Group.  

Firefighter James Marnell is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  He furthered his education at Ramapo College, majoring in Information Technology Management.  He was employed previously at Bayonne Community Bank.  

Firefighter James Tyminski is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  Prior to his firefighter career, he worked for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and the Bayonne Board of Education.

Firefighter Jan Skora is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  He furthered his education at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, majoring in Information Technology/Computer Science.  He worked previously at the Bergen County Justice Center.  

Firefighter James Ryan is a graduate of St. Peter’s Prep.  He furthered his education at Rutgers University, majoring in Exercise Science.  Prior to his firefighting career, he was employed at the Bayonne Golf Club.

Firefighter David Folger is a graduate of Bayonne High School.   He is a grandson of the late Deputy Fire Chief Folger.

Firefighter Nicholas Pivano is a graduate of Toms River High School East.  Prior to his firefighting career, he worked as a division mechanic for PSE&G.  

Firefighter Jayro Navedo Mercedes is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  He furthered his education at Hudson County Community College, majoring in Liberal Arts.  Prior to joining the Fire Department, he worked as a chemical operator for IMTT.  

Firefighter Conor Farley is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  He continued his education at St. Peter’s University, majoring in Sports Management.  Before his firefighting career, he worked as a substitute teacher in the Bayonne School District and as a Sales Associate for the New York Jets.