Police academy holds graduation of 68th class

The Monmouth County Police Academy, Freehold, recently graduated its 68th class in its 19-week basic course for police officers. Chief Robert J. Dawson Jr., of the Spring Lake Police Department and president of the Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association, and Police Academy Director John G. McCormack presented the certificates and awards to the graduates.

Hector Umana of the Long Branch Police Department, won the Marksmanship Award with a score of 98.89, while Joseph Kennedy of the Long Branch Police Department won the Academic Award with a score of 96.42. Matthew Widdis, also Long Branch Police, took the Physical Fitness Award with a score of 95.17. Scott D. Rockhill of the West Long Branch Police Department, won the Traffic Officers Association Award with a score of 98.2.

Other area graduates were Patrick Joyce and KiJung Kim, Long Branch; Todd P. Gallagher, Tinton Falls; and Marlowe A. Botti, Kyle Kampf, and Michael Paolantonio, West Long Branch. Alternate route program graduates were Craig Iacouzzi, Keansburg; Jason A. Gassman, Bradley Beach; and Michael Fagliarone and Matthew J. Yurcisin, Freehold. The alternate route program is for candidates that pay their own way through the Police Academy without an affiliation with a particular police department.

Principal speaker at the graduation was Monmouth County Freeholder Theodore J. Narozanick, who commended graduates for choice of careers.

‘Mr. 80%’ to open at area playhouse Jan. 7

The Eatontown Playhouse at Tower Market Center, Route 35 north, will present “Mr. 80%” as directed by Steve Boyd Jan. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 8 p.m.; and Jan. 9, 16 and 23 at 3 p.m.

For more information, call the theater at (732) 888-0339.