The safety of Jersey City’s population improved on Friday, as Mayor Steven Fulop and the Fire Department held a swearing in ceremony for twelve, new firefighters.
Friday’s swearing in marked the completion of a year-long process, including an intensive training program at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, where the fire recruits underwent rigorous instruction in fire suppression, search and rescue, hazardous materials response, and life-saving emergency medical techniques. With this graduating class, the Fulop Administration continued to prioritize public safety through historic investments in fire services, reaching record staffing levels, and significantly reducing response times citywide.
Mayor Fulop said in a press release, “The Jersey City Fire Department responded to nearly 20,000 calls for service last year, a clear reminder of the critical role our firefighters play in protecting this city. By adding new members to the force, we are not only making our neighborhoods safer but also reaffirming our commitment to providing the best emergency response in New Jersey.”
Public Safety Director James Shea added, “Each of these graduates represents the future of the Jersey City Fire Department. They have shown the discipline, courage, and skill required to meet the demands of this profession while also rising to the challenges of a growing and prospering city.”
“Today’s graduation is not just about adding numbers to our department, it’s about welcoming highly trained men and women who have proven their dedication and readiness to serve,” said Jersey City Fire Chief Jack Johnson. “As they join the ranks of one of the busiest fire departments in the state, I am confident they will uphold our proud tradition of protecting lives and property while embodying the professionalism and bravery that define the Jersey City Fire Department.”
The newly sworn firefighters are:
- Matthew Bauer
- Michael Cervino
- Alexander Delesky
- Shane Keepers
- Daniel Madera
- Edwin Mateo
- Zachary Maysonet
- Melvin Molina
- Khyla Nalls-Maryland
- Jeremy Van Der Laak
- Joshua Vazquez
- Hyomin Yang
The new firefighters will be assigned to firehouses throughout Jersey City. They will join nearly 700 firefighters and officers who make up the JCFD.