LFD: The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners along with Fire Chief Jonathan Yahr announce the appointment of career firefighters
Neal E. Lelievre; Mark A Johnson, Jr.; William J. Cook, III; Jason F. Martinez; Adrien D. Moore, IV; Jeffrey W. Sowles, Jr.; Michael M. Nakonechny and administer of the Oath of Office to Shawn J. Strubeck who was hired in January and recently completed the Fire Academy. In addition, the Fire Commissioners promoted career fire firefighters Joseph J. Johnson Jr., Jeremy Reyes, Steven W. Seiffert, and Michael A. Errichiello to the rank of Lieutenant and promoted James R. Ecks to the Rank of Captain. These career fire officers have a long standing and dedicated history of distinguished service to the Lakewood Fire Department.
The appointments and promotions were made during a swearing-in ceremony at the Board of Fire Commissioners meeting on Monday, June 21, 2021. The members will assume their new positions effective June 27, 2021.
These additions bring the total number of career firefighters and officers to 32, doubling the 2019 size of 16. In November of 2019, the Board announced plans to double the career department by 2021. These appointments complete those plans.With the doubling of the career department to 32 firefighters,and Officers the Board will have two full-time crews consisting of one officer and three firefighters on each crew at all times. One crew will be stationed at the Monmouth Avenue fire station and the other at the Cedar Bridge Avenue fire station, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, complementing the district’soutstanding volunteer firefighting force.
The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners is dedicated to addressing the community’s vast growth. Their steadfast and unwavering commitment to address fire service needs while simultaneously maximizing fire protection within the fiscal constraints of the taxpayers. These appointments and promotions are a reflection of their commitment.
The recruitment of volunteer firefighters remains ongoing and the Lakewood Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners, along with Lakewood Fire Department Fire Chief Jonathan Yahr, continue to seek individuals who have a desire to serve the Lakewood Community. Individuals interested in becoming volunteer firefighters are encouraged to visit the Fire District Website at www.lakewoodfd.org and submit the requested information expressing their interest through the “Join the Lakewood Fire Department” link.
Congratulations to Captain Ecks, the new lieutenants and newly hired firefighters. Under the supervision of Chief Yahr, the Fire District is making great progress in protecting our community, delivering cost-effective services to keep Lakewood safe. Every resident should welcome these advances in the organization of our outstanding career and volunteer fire service.
A heartful thank you to all the hard working firefighters and EMS / LPD who worked tirelessly yesterday from the wee hours of the morning and hours later in the stifling heat to protect our house from catching and burning in the adjacent inferno. We recognize, without deliberate effort to try and save the homes, the fire would have easily caught on with untold damage. May G-D bless you all with health and happiness to you and your families always.
Congratulations to Captain Ecks! They don’t make them at better then him! Best of Luck Captain! God Bless