July 4, 2024
MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–Chief Antonio Ellis is proud to announce the promotion of several veteran Manchester Township Police Department officers to new leadership roles within the agency during a ceremony held on July 3, 2024: Lt. Albert Vega to Captain, Sgt. Charles Brooks to Lieutenant, Sgt. Paul Bachovchin to Lieutenant, Ptl. Michael Guarino to Sergeant, Ptl. Steven Wendruff to Sergeant, and Ptl. Ryan Saul to Corporal. Mayor Robert Arace had the honor of administering the Oaths of Office in the presence of family, friends, police, and township personnel.
“These officers lead by example and have consistently proven their dedication to this agency and our residents,” said Chief Ellis. “They take an immense amount of pride in putting on the Manchester Township Police Department uniform. I’m proud of the strong foundation of exemplary leadership that is in place within our department.”
Taking his oath first was Capt. Vega, who holds a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Administrative Science and most recently as Lieutenant oversaw the Investigations Bureau. Capt. Vega has earned and achieved over 20 awards and commendations throughout his service to include two Chief’s Awards, two Chief’s Commendation Awards, two Drug Enforcement Seizure Awards, two Exceptional Duty Awards, and seven Unit Citations.
Next to take his oath was Lt. Brooks, who earned his bachelor’s degree in public administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University and had served as Sergeant since 2011. Among his many awards and commendations, Lt. Brooks was recognized with two Chief’s Award, Lifesaving Award, and Exceptional Duty Award.
Next, Lt. Bachovchin, who has a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Administrative Science and served as Sergeant since 2017, took his oath. Lt. Bachovchin has served in numerous roles in our department, from D.A.R.E officer, Part time Traffic Safety officer, Radar instructor, Child Passenger Safety Technician, Honor Guard member, Field Training Officer, and Municipal Alliance Chairman.
