Gp Segreto is the first volunteer at Ocean Beach Fire Company to go through fire school at age 17, completing his Firefighter I and II certifications.

After moving to his family’s beach house for the summer, Gp was feeling bored and looking for something to do. Living a couple of blocks from Ocean Beach Fire Company, he decided to join as a junior volunteer.

“I love the connection I have with my station in Ocean Beach,” said Gp. “I thought they would be really hard on me, but everyone was welcoming and ready to teach me.”

He joined at age 16 after his sophomore year at Pascack Hills High School. Now in his senior year, Gp volunteers with two fire companies in his hometown, and is a seasonal volunteer in the summer with Ocean Beach.

“I’m making new friends, learning new skills, and seeing things I’ve never seen before,” said Gp. “I want to make a positive impact on my community and save lives.”

When Gp isn’t volunteering, he plays lacrosse on the high school’s team and is involved in a hockey league with his friends. He also works for his dad’s construction company. After graduating high school, Gp plans to pursue a four-year college degree.

Learn more about volunteering with Toms River Fire Department at www.TRfire.org.