Four Neptune Township Firefighters Complete Their Probationary Year
IAFF Local 3874 congratulates Firefighters David Hoecker, John Fritz Jr., Frank Martuscelli Jr., and Michael Greco on completing their probationary period with Neptune Township Fire District No. 1.
Their appointments in October 2025 marked an important step in their careers and in the continued growth of fire protection in Neptune Township. One year later, we are proud to recognize these four members, the experience they bring to the job, and the partnership that helped make their positions possible.
Each came to the career staff with a history of serving others. Their backgrounds include years of volunteer firefighting, public works, education, coaching, and leadership within their communities.
Firefighter David Hoecker
David served for eight years as a volunteer with Shark River Hills Fire Company, where he rose to the rank of captain. His background also includes seven years with Avon Public Works and volunteer service in Avon. That experience in both emergency response and municipal service brought a strong community connection to his career in Neptune.
Firefighter John Fritz Jr.
For John, the firehouse has been part of life since childhood. He grew up across the street from Shark River Hills Fire Company, where his family’s involvement reaches back to his grandfather. John began as a cadet and went on to serve as a firefighter, lieutenant, and captain.
He continues to volunteer with Glendola Fire Company in Wall Township. Before his appointment in Neptune, he worked in public works, landscaping, and construction. Outside the firehouse, John enjoys traveling, camping, hunting, snowboarding, and spending time with friends.
Firefighter Frank Martuscelli Jr.
Frank began volunteering with Shark River Hills Fire Company as a cadet at age 14 and attended the fire academy at 18. Before joining Neptune’s career staff, he worked as a truancy and security officer at Monmouth Regional High School, where he also coached boys’ and girls’ spring track.
He continues that commitment to young people as a football coach at Neptune High School. Away from work and the field, Frank shares his life with his wife, Morgan, and their daughters, Madelyn and McKenna.
Firefighter Michael Greco
Michael brought experience from both career and volunteer departments to his position in Neptune. He previously worked per diem with Neptune Fire District No. 1 and continues to work per diem with Old Bridge Fire District No. 3. He also volunteers with Freehold Township Independent Fire Company No. 1 and previously served with Sea Bright Fire Rescue.
Early in his career, Michael took on the additional responsibility of serving as the Neptune Township Shop Steward. In that role, he has worked alongside IAFF Local 3874 Vice President Patrick Schinder, a lieutenant in Neptune, to support the members of the shop.
Working Together to Expand Coverage
The hiring of these four firefighters followed the completion of a collective bargaining agreement in 2025 that supported a significant expansion of career staffing.
Under the previous schedule, career personnel worked Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. The agreement established a two-platoon system covering weekdays from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Our partners with the Neptune Township Fire Department staff the overnight hours from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. and weekends. Together, this arrangement provides Neptune Township with a staffed fire suppression unit 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Lieutenant Schinder was instrumental in helping finalize the agreement, building on the work of the Neptune Township Shop members who advocated for the expanded schedule and additional positions. Their efforts demonstrate how collective bargaining can support meaningful improvements for both firefighters and the residents they serve.
IAFF Local 3874 thanks the Board of Fire Commissioners and Fire Chief Albert Fritz Jr. for their continued partnership and commitment to providing around-the-clock fire protection. We also recognize our volunteer partners, whose service is essential to making this coverage possible.
The progress in Neptune reflects what can be accomplished when firefighters, department leadership, commissioners, and labor representatives work toward a common goal: quality public safety for the community.
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