def # 94 05/26/11

NEW RECRUITS COMPLETE POLICE ACADEMY

LAKEWOOD - Two classes of Special Law Enforcement Officers marked the completion of 727 hours of training at the Ocean County Police Academy during graduation ceremonies today.

"These new officers will now begin work in a number of communities throughout Ocean County," said Ocean County Freeholder John P. Kelly, Director of Law and Public Safety. "On behalf of my colleagues on the Board of Freeholders, I want to recognize these men and women and congratulate them for successfully completing this very rigorous training."

The graduation ceremony for SLEO II Class #28 and #29 was held at Georgian Court University, here. South Toms River Police Chief Andrew Izatt, who serves as President of the Ocean County Chiefs Association was the guest speaker.

"I am very proud of the hard work and dedication of each of these new officers," said Ocean County Sheriff William L. Polhemus, who oversees the Police Academy. "I also want to thank the fine work of the instructors and the academy staff who provide these new officers with the tools and assistance they need to help keep our citizens and communities safe."

Award winners from Class #28 are: Christopher L. Hoffmann, Seaside Heights Police Department, recipient of the Police Training Commission Merit Award, High Marksmanship Award and the Distinguished Expert Perfect Score Award; Brian J. Woodruff, Long Beach Township Police Department, High Academic Award; Kyle T. Rickvalsky, Long Beach Township Police Department, High Physical Fitness Award; Michael Carletta, Seaside Heights Police Department, High Overall Award.

Class #29 award recipients are: Robert C. Hagerman, Point Pleasant Beach Police Department, Police Training Commission Merit Award; Timothy A. Butler, Ship Bottom Police Department, High Academic Award and High Marksmanship Award; Garret J. Lavaggi, Seaside Park Police Department, High Physical Fitness Award and High Overall Award.

The graduates of the SLEO II Class #28 and their respective police departments are: Anthony Abbatemarco, Michael Carletta, Michael A. Conrad, Daniel R. Davis, Brendan P. Dylla, Stephen J. Gallo, Timothy G. Geoghegan, Christopher L. Hoffmann, Paul Imperiale, William F. Isetts, IV, Anthony J. Lacher, Innocenzo LaRocca, Jr., Andrew M. Matecki, Joseph W. McGrath, David G. Methner, Evan F. Pollara, Timothy J. Purpuri, Tyler V. Ragauckas, Anthony R. Rando, Adam P. Sabatino, Vincent J. Stetsko, Eric A. Task, Jesse J. Urban, Sean P. Varady, Joseph F. Zinn, Seaside Heights Police Department; John D. Popaca, Mantoloking Police Department; Kyle T. Rickvalsky, Brian J. Woodruff, Long Beach Township Police Department.

The graduates of the SLEO II Class #29 and their respective police departments are: Brendan E. Brice and Dominique D’Amico, Lavallette Police Department; Timothy A. Butler, Ship Bottom Police Department; John F. Caggiano, Alexander R. Clelland, Michael S. Guarino, Robert C. Hagerman, Kyle J. Kane, Richard A. Killmer, Matthew F. Nickerson, Justin P. Nunno, Christopher M. Oleksy, Erick Pardo, Nicholas L. Soto, Charles R. Svenson, Pt. Pleasant Beach Police Department; Kurt M. Denning, Danielle DePalma, Garret J. Lavaggi, Michael S. O’Hara, William T. Poling, Zachary A. Provenzano, Seaside Park Police Department; Gerard F. Kelly, III, South Amboy Police Department.