JACKSON — Two recent graduates of the Toms River Fire and Emergency Services Academy have become fully certified and are joining the Cassville Volunteer Fire Company.

"Graduation ceremonies were held at the Toms River Fire and Emergency Services Academy," Cassville Volunteer Fire Company Chief John I. Alchevsky said. "Along with firefighter recruits from all over Ocean County, firefighters Anthony Jacobs and Gregory Schoen of the Cassville Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 of Jackson were awarded their NFPA Firefighter Level I certifications."

The chief said the training course at the academy is intense and effective.

"The training these young men received at this academy is first rate and we will all benefit from their dedication, resilience and commitment to their duty as volunteer firefighters," said Capt. John E. Poppe III, who attended the ceremony with Alchevsky.

Alchevsky said it was a proud moment for the Cassville Volunteer Fire Company, the citizens of Fire District No. 2 and the township of Jackson as a whole.

"This graduation is somewhat special to us, as Greg Schoen is the grandson of past firefighters Karen and the late Gus Stamos, who died two years ago," the chief said. "I'm sure Gus is looking down upon Greg and is as proud as any grandfather can be."

Alchevsky said Stamos was one of his mentors when he joined the company in 1977 as a junior firefighter. He said it is a great feeling to be given the privilege of guiding and watching his mentor's grandson as the young man enters into the fire service.

The Cassville Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 protects 65 square miles of southern and northwestern Jackson and is staffed by more than 30 active volunteer firefighters.