Long Branch presented awards Oct. 22 to firefighters and a civilian for rescue efforts during a multi-person incident at Cottage Avenue Beach on Sept. 18.

Chief Timothy Griffin of the Long Branch Fire Department said firefighters entered rough surf after reports of multiple swimmers in distress. Chief Griffin said Firefighter Nicholas Coffey and Firefighter Douglas Safiati entered the water and that other members of the crew, including Firefighter Christopher Fazio and Captain Timothy Griffin, assisted in removing victims and securing the rescuers. Chief Griffin said a tethered rescue line and coordinated shore support helped bring rescuers and victims safely back to land.

For their actions, Chief Griffin said the city would award two Medal of Valor, first class, to Firefighter Douglas Safiati (No. 183) and Firefighter Nicholas Coffey (No. 182); a Medal of Valor, second class, to Captain Timothy Griffin and recognition for Firefighter Christopher Fazio and Firefighter Kenneth Bannock (merit citation). Chief Griffin also said Firefighter Safiati was transported to Monmouth Medical Center and admitted for observation following the rescue.

Mayor John Pallone, Council President Anita Vogt and other officials presented certificates of recognition to the firefighters and to civilian Solomon Moyle, who entered the water before firefighters arrived after being alerted by his wife on the boardwalk. The mayor and council praised the rescuers' professionalism and the civilian's bravery.

The transcript records the awards presentation and the names of the personnel cited; it does not record the full text of the award citations beyond the summary read into the meeting record.