News & Events

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

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

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

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

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

Tracey Keelan has always been drawn to volunteering for her community. Tracey has been an ocean lifeguard for 21 years. One night when all the guards were getting off duty, Ocean Beach Fire Company received a call for someone missing, and potentially in the ocean. Still on the beach, Tracey helped them deploy their Jet Ski. “Being someone who wants … Read More

Michael Brophy has been a volunteer firefighter for more than 40 years, and says, “You’re never too old to learn new things.” When Michael moved from North Jersey to Toms River, one of the first things he did was sign up to volunteer at Ocean Beach Fire Company. “In North Jersey, we responded to almost all structural fires. Here, we … Read More

“When I moved to Toms River, the first thing I did was sign up to volunteer,” said Erin Seneca, who volunteers at East Dover Fire Company. “I combined two things I was passionate about: volunteering and get involved in the town, and firefighting, which I always wanted to do.” Erin’s background was as an EMT and volunteering in emergency services … Read More

Shortly after graduating from college, Ryan LaVigne joined Toms River Fire Company No. 2, volunteering as a firefighter for more than 4 years now. “Joining the fire department has opened many doors for me from a career perspective,” said Ryan. “I was able to take classes at the fire academy that helped me meet requirements for my current job as … Read More

Paul Schulz, firefighter and President of East Dover Fire Company, has been volunteering with Toms River Fire Department for six years now. “I moved here from New York eight years ago. I thought, ‘If there was ever another Hurricane Sandy, I want to become friends with the people who would save me,’” said Paul. Paul enjoys helping the community and … Read More