Fire department awards $10K in scholarships

OCEANPORT - The borough fire department awarded $10,000 in scholarships to two Oceanport Fire Explorers during the Jan. 1 re-organization meeting.

Mark Patterson and Frank Lippolis were recognized by outgoing Fire Chief Jerry Bertekap along with new Mayor Michael Mahon and the Borough Council for their service to the Oceanport community.

The scholarships were funded by a $40,000 federal grant that will be distributed over the next four years to Oceanport Fire Explorers who exemplify dedicated community service.

The Oceanport Fire Explorer Program was created in December 2003, and currently consists of 18 members. In the program, which is sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America, young men between the ages of 14 and 18 actively participate in all drills and training performed by the Oceanport Fire Department. As members of the program, young men are CPR/AED/First Responder certified.

Fire Explorers are able to gain experience and education in firefighting until they can become active firefighters at the age of 18.

Eleven Fire Explorers have become volunteer firefighters upon reaching their 18th birthdays so far.

The Fire Explorers in Oceanport must have graduated eighth grade or be over the age of 14 to join. The group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the Oceanport Hook and Ladder Fire Company 21 on Main St.