Lakewood fire department promotes captain and swears in new firefighter

LAKEWOOD, N.J. — The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners, alongside Fire Chief Jonathan Yahr and Fire District Administrator Yehuda Beer, announced the promotion of Career Fire Lieutenant Robert J. Leon Sr. to the rank of Fire Captain and formally welcomed Career Firefighter Evan M. LaValle during a recent board meeting.

Captain Leon began his service as a volunteer firefighter in 1992 before transitioning to a career role in 2002. With more than three decades of experience, Leon has served in various capacities within the department and will now take on increased leadership responsibilities in his new position.

Firefighter LaValle, who joined the department in January, completed the required fire academy training and was officially sworn in during the same ceremony. His appointment adds to the department’s ranks as it continues to expand its professional workforce.

Photo: lakewood fire department promotes captain and swears in new firefighter

Department leaders highlighted both milestones as part of their ongoing effort to strengthen fire protection services across the Lakewood community. The promotions and appointments were approved at the Board of Fire Commissioners’ meeting.

“The Lakewood Fire Department values leadership and experience,” the department noted in its announcement. “Captain Leon brings years of experience, leadership, and dedication to his new role.”

Department seeks new volunteers

The department is actively seeking additional volunteer firefighters and is encouraging community members interested in serving to apply through its website. Applications can be submitted via the “Join / Apply Today” link on lakewoodfd.org.

For further information about volunteering, residents are advised to contact Fire District Administrator Yehuda Beer at 732-364-5151.

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.