Asbury Park Hires 8 New Fire, Police Officers

Hires Include First Female Firefighter

Asbury Park Fire Department and Asbury Park Police Department have hired 8 new staff members, including the fire department’s first female firefighter, all filling existing vacancies within the departments.

“We welcome this group of new hires as they join the talented men and women of the Asbury Park Fire Department and Asbury Park Police Department who protect and serve our community,” says Mayor John Moor, “We are also proud to make history with the hiring of Asbury Park’s first female firefighter. On behalf of City Council, I wish them well in their new roles.”

Asbury Park Fire Department new hires:

Brett McCoy was enlisted in the US Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008 where he held the rank of Sergeant with a specialty as an 1833-AAV crew member, operator/gunner. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Pace University, was previously employed in the fitness industry and has NJ CSC Veterans Status. McCoy is enrolled at the Monmouth County Fire Academy and the Jersey Shore University Medical Center EMT program.

Richard Gabriel is a graduate of Brookdale Community College where he studied Business. He attended Monmouth College and is currently enrolled in Columbia Southern University on a part time basis where he is pursuing a degree in Fire Administration. Among other specialized training, he holds certifications as a New Jersey Firefighter I, New Jersey Firefighter II, New Jersey Fire Level II Fire Instructor, and New Jersey Department of Health Emergency Medical Technician. Gabriel was previously employed full time as an EMT for the Township of Manchester, and part time as a Firefighter-EMT for Wall Township Fire District 3.

Joseph Annunziata was enlisted in the US Army from June 2013 until October 2016 where he held the rank of E4 with a specialty of Airborne Infantry. Annunziata was previously employed as a Security Officer for Hackensack Meridian Health. He holds certifications as a New Jersey Firefighter I, New Jersey Firefighter II, and New Jersey Department of Health Emergency Medical Technician. Mr. Annunziata is a second-generation Asbury Park Firefighter—his father Paul is currently a firefighter with APFD.

Nicole Golden was previously employed by Rutgers University Department of Emergency Services as an Emergency Medical Technician. Golden attended Rutgers University and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree. She is currently enrolled at Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations where she is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Labor Relations. Golden holds certifications as a New Jersey Fire Inspector and a New Jersey Department of Health Emergency Medical Technician. She is currently enrolled in the Monmouth County Fire Academy.

Asbury Park Police Department new Civil Service list hires:

Anthony Arancio has been with Asbury Park Police as a Class I Special Police Officer since 2016. Arancio attended Brookdale Community College, studying Criminal Justice, and will graduate from Monmouth County Police Academy in May 2021.

James Hand is currently employed with the Asbury Park Police as a Special I and Special II Police Officer since 2017. Hand attended Brookdale Community College and has an Associate’s Degree in Law & Criminal Justice. He will attend a 2-week waiver program to obtain a full Class A certification.

Asadullah Kakar formerly served as a Class I Police Officer with the Deal Police Department since 2020. He will graduate from Monmouth County Police Academy in May 2021. Kakar attended Ocean County College, studying Criminal Justice.

Andrew Slinger attended Ocean County College, Stockton University & Thomas Edison University, studying Liberal Arts. Slinger graduated from the Monmouth County Fire Academy and will graduate from Monmouth County Police Academy in May 2021.

For more information on the Asbury Park Fire Department, visit www.cityofasburypark.com/apfd.