John Keating, 56, volunteered as a firefighter with his father, and the experience became full circle when his son, Colin, 18, joined about six months ago. “Growing up around the fire service and seeing the impact firefighters have when people need help the most really inspired me,” said John. “Years ago, I had the opportunity to volunteer with my father, … Read More
Father Son Spotlight: Drew and Robert “Bobby” Calvo
Firefighting is a family tradition for the Calvos. Grandfathers, fathers, brothers, cousins and sons have all served as volunteer firefighters, and now, Drew Calvo, 52, is experiencing it with his son, Bobby, 19. “From the day I found out my wife was pregnant, I dreamed of sharing this experience with my children,” said Drew. “Watching Bobby get fitted for gear … Read More
Father Sons Spotlight: Daniel, Alexander, and Joseph Roman
Alexander and Joseph Roman, ages 19 and 16, are following in their dad’s footsteps as volunteer firefighters in the Toms River Fire Department. Daniel, 52, grew up living two blocks from the firehouse. “I always heard the sirens going off. My grandfather and uncles were firefighters up in Monmouth County, and I always wanted to be a fireman,” he said. … Read More
Father Son Spotlight: Tim and Jack Cook
Tim Cook, 59, didn’t start volunteering until his early 30s. He was always interested in the fire service, but says it took him a while to finally jump in. Once he started volunteering, he learned new skills such as firefighting, rescue diving and became an EMT. Tim started at Ocean Beach Fire Company, worked his way up to Chief, and … Read More
Mom Balances Parenthood, Work and Volunteer Firefighting
Erin Seneca always wanted to be a volunteer firefighter. She began volunteering as an EMT in 2006 but didn’t start firefighting until her thirties. “It was something I always wanted to do, and I didn’t do it until I moved to Toms River,” said Seneca. She joined East Dover Fire Company, part of the Toms River Fire Department, as a … Read More
Volunteer Spotlight: Kyle Reid
Growing up at a firehouse, it’s no surprise that Kyle Reid, 30, is a career firefighter and a volunteer firefighter. A fourth-generation volunteer, Kyle started as an explorer at East Dover Fire Company in the Toms River Fire Department at 15. After graduating from high school, Kyle became a regular member and firefighter at 18. “I always had a draw … Read More
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