Meet the outstanding staff at Sussex County Community College's Public Safety Training Academy. These accomplished instructors are experts in their discipline. They guide students in their academic pursuits and help them achieve their goals.
John is the Battalion Chief and Tour Commander with the Teaneck Fire Department in New Jersey, with over 29 years of fire service experience. He holds various credentials, including Fire Officer (FO) from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Graduate Grade (GIFireE) from the Institution of Fire Engineers, and Training Officer (TO) from The International Society of Fire Service Instructors, and is a National Fire Academy alumnus. John is dedicated to training and mentoring future fire officers.
He serves on the Board of Directors for Kill The Flashover, directs the Sussex County Public Safety Training Academy, and manages the Fire Science Technology program at SCCC. A former U.S. Marine, John values discipline, education, and servant leadership. His passion is helping others grow through advanced training, aiming to inspire future leaders in the fire service. John has spoken at numerous conferences, including Firehouse Expo, Firehouse World, FDIC, and international events like the International Fire Rescue Training Academy in Germany.
SFI Crift has been in the fire service and EMS, holding many positions as a professional and volunteer for 45 years. He is retired from the City of Bayonne Fire Department after nearly 30 years of service. He is an instructor of many disciplines, including fire, rescue, EMS, and Rescue Task Force. SFI Crift is currently Deputy Chief responsible for Operations at the PSTA and Commander of the Sussex County Rescue Task Force.
SFI Southard has over 40 years of service with the Sussex Fire Department and served as its Chief of Department from 1999-2000. He has 25 years of service with the PSTA and was recently promoted to Instructor-In-Charge overseeing curriculum development and instructor professional development. He is married with five children and one grandchild. His interests include hunting and NASCAR. We wish to thank him for his continued service to our county and for seeking continuous improvement for the PSTA.
Vincent has dedicated 28 years to the Fire Service in New Jersey. His certifications include Firefighter Levels 1 and 2, Fire Inspector, Fire Official, and Fire Instructor Levels 1 and 2. He is a former NJ State Fire Inspector and currently serves as an Instructor at the PSTA. A member of the Vernon Township Volunteer Fire Department, Vincent is also a proud father of three. In his free time, he enjoys college football, fishing, hunting, and spending time in the islands.
John A. Hayowyk Sr. began his volunteer fire service in 1971, in the City of Passaic, as a member of the Passaic Civil Defense Auxiliary to the City of Passaic Fire Department. As a result of several career moves, he has been a member of three additional volunteer fire departments, Elmwood Park Volunteer Fire Department, NJ, Kings Park Volunteer Fire Department, NY, and is currently a past Department Chief and active member of the Roxbury Township Volunteer Fire Department in New Jersey.
John Hayowyk Jr. recently retired as a Battalion Chief with the City of Passaic FD, NJ, after 31 years in the fire service. Much of his career was with the truck companies, advancing through the Training Division to Battalion Chief in 2020. A fire service instructor since 1997, he has taught at Sussex County Public Safety Training Academy since 2002. Starting as a volunteer with Roxbury Twp. FD, he now serves Sparta Twp. Volunteer FD. John has published articles in national trade magazines, teaches at conferences, serves as NJ’s Lead Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and is an Adjunct Professor of Fire Science at Sussex County Community College.
Bernie began his fire service career in 1980 as a volunteer firefighter in Hopatcong, NJ, eventually rising to Captain of Northwood Engine Company No. 2 and 2nd Assistant Chief of the Hopatcong Fire Department. He now serves as Chief Fire Marshal for the Borough and previously held roles as Fire Official in Frankford Township and Chair of the Sussex County UCC Board of Appeals. In 2022, Bernie became a Fire Instructor for Sussex PSTA, and he is also an NRA-certified Range Safety Officer and Pistol Instructor. A retired Electrical Engineer and FCC-licensed radio operator, Bernie actively shares his knowledge as an FCC Volunteer Examiner.
James Raperto Jr. began his dedicated service in Franklin in 2004, marking 20 years as an active member. With 14 years in Vernon, he has risen to the respected rank of Deputy Chief. He is a Level 1 Instructor contributing his expertise at the PSTA. Before his career in public service, James served in the United States Marine Corps as an 0811 artillery crewman for six years, further enhancing his skills and dedication. Outside of his professional life, James is engaged to Jackie and is a proud father of four lovely daughters.
Bryan Schoch has over 20 years of fire service experience in both career and volunteer roles.
He began with the Jersey City Fire Department, advancing from a busy ladder company to Battalion Chief. He has managed training programs and currently leads as 2nd Battalion Chief in Jersey City’s Greenville section.
As a volunteer firefighter with the Secaucus Fire Department, he served as Chief in 2015-2016.
A graduate of Saint Peter’s University, Bryan holds multiple fire service certifications and brings extensive urban and suburban experience to the SCCC Public Safety Training Academy.