The Lakewood Fire Department proudly participated in the Ocean County Fire Academy’s Firefighter I and II graduation ceremony on the evening of June 2, 2025. As part of the ceremony, awards were presented to recruits for exceptional performance and academic achievement during the class.
Among these honors, the Stanley Marks/Alex Latyshev High Achievement Award was presented to Salvatore M. Tatto of the Barnegat Light Fire Company for achieving the highest overall academic scores in the class.
This award is presented each year to the recruit with the highest academic performance and is a long-standing tradition of the Fire Academy graduation ceremony. The award is presented by the Lakewood Fire Department in honor of Firefighters Stanley Marks and Alex Latyshev, who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty battling a hotel fire in Lakewood, New Jersey, on December 23, 1976.
Retired Fire Chief Robert Cook, a fellow firefighter and colleague of Firefighters Stanley Marks and Alex Latyshev, had the honor of presenting the award on behalf of the Lakewood Fire Department. His presence added a personal and heartfelt connection to the moment, serving as a powerful reminder of the legacy and sacrifice of these two fallen firefighters.
This recognition not only celebrates Recruit Tatto’s outstanding academic performance but also serves as a tribute to the enduring spirit, dedication, and sacrifice of Firefighters Marks and Latyshev.
The Lakewood Fire Department extends its heartfelt congratulations to all graduates of the Ocean County Fire Academy and remains committed to honoring the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.