Volunteering Opens Doors to Careers

Although volunteer firefighting is unpaid, the Toms River Fire Department sparked many careers in emergency services. Some paths need a college education, such as emergency management directors and nurses, while others, like dispatchers and EMTs, do not. Whatever path someone is interested in, advanced training and building networks are just two of the many ways that volunteering can open doors … Read More

Volunteer Spotlight: Gp Segreto

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 … Read More

Volunteer Spotlight: Frank Stanislaski

As a water community, Ocean Beach Fire Company’s busy season is the summer, but volunteer Frank Stanislaski, 36, is the captain year round. He’s not just fighting typical structure fires either. Volunteers use jet skis for ocean rescue, and the fire boat for water rescue incidents in the bay, as well as to fight boat fires or house fires. There’s … Read More

Toms River Fire Dept’s Community Event Oct. 6

Toms River Fire Department welcomes the community to a free and family-friendly event to meet firefighters and see them in action. In honor of Fire Prevention Week, the department is holding a Fire Prevention Experience on Sunday, October 6. The event will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ocean County Mall parking lot, 1201 Hooper Ave., Toms … Read More

Volunteer Spotlight: Michael LeDuc

Two years ago, Michael LeDuc’s friend convinced him to join East Dover Fire Company, and he was hooked shortly after. “Being a firefighter is by no stretch of the imagination something everyone can do; however, it is in my opinion the best way to protect, serve and give back to the community, especially, if you’re like myself and have lived … Read More

Volunteer Spotlight: John Grieble

After John Grieble graduated from high school, he immediately joined Toms River Fire Department to help those in need. “This experience has been more than what I expected. I love going out every day and helping the community,” said John, who has been a volunteer firefighter for 10 years now. He originally joined Toms River Fire Co. No. 1 and … Read More

Volunteer Spotlight: Sean Kappock

Whether it’s on the training ground or fire scenes, Sean Kappock, 22, loves the opportunity to test his abilities. As a volunteer for more than two years with Toms River Fire Co. No. 1, Sean describes the experience as amazing. “I’ve expanded my education, my life goals and my plans,” said Sean. “I was looking to help save lives in … Read More

Father and Son Serve Community Together at Toms River Fire Dept.

Helping others runs in the Rice family’s blood. Matthew Rice, 23, grew up surrounded by it. His grandmother was an ICU nurse, his grandfather a police officer, and his dad, Dave, 47, is an EMT and firefighter. Matthew himself just graduated with his master’s degree in fire science: explosion & investigation. One of the best ways for father and son, … Read More

Volunteer Spotlight: Joey Genovese

Joey Genovese, 21, recently completed his NJ Firefighter Level 1 and 2 at the Toms River Fire Academy, where he achieved the Spike Baran award – the highest honor as top recruit of his class. “I was shocked when my name was called since I was not expecting to get it, but it felt good knowing that all my hard … Read More

Police Officer by Day, Volunteer Firefighter by Night

Diamonique Kennedy, 35, is on both sides of emergency services: police and firefighting. He has worked as a police officer for the City of Philadelphia for the past seven years and recently joined the volunteer fire service. “I’ve always been huge on public safety and giving back to the community,” said Kennedy. “Someone suggested volunteer firefighting to me and I … Read More