Sternesky named as new Avenel Fire Co. 1 chief

Jerry Sternesky has been elected fire chief of Avenel Fire Co. 1.

An Avenel resident, Sternesky served as lieutenant, captain and assistant chief before being elected chief of the 38-member department for 2005. He will serve a one-year term.

Sternesky will be sworn on Jan. 8 at the company’s annual installation of officers and dinner dance at The Forge Inn, Woodbridge.

The dinner dance will also pay tribute to outgoing fire chiefs Frank Strain and Peter Ricciardelli, who will continue to serve as president.

Mayor Frank G. Pelzman will attend.