MANCHESTER – It was time for saying goodbye to a familiar face in the clerk’s office and to say hello to two new police officers during a recent Township Council meeting.
Members of council and Township Clerk Teri Giercyk commended Deputy Clerk Maria Golda for her years of service to the township within the clerk’s office. After more than 25 years of public service that included roles in Pine Beach, South Toms River, and Manchester, Golda retired on August 1. She was honored with a proclamation and praised by officials. She was also presented a bouquet of flowers and her family came out to congratulate her.
Councilwoman Judy Noonan joked saying Golda had kept her in line and reminded her of things at times. “I’m really going to miss you.”
Council President Michele Zolezi echoed that sentiment wishing Golda all the best on her retirement. “Thank you so much for all that you’ve done to contribute to our wonderful Clerk’s Office here in Manchester. We wish you all the best.”
“Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement and thank you for your service to Manchester Township,” Council Vice President James Vaccaro said. “From myself and the other members of Council Maria we will miss you and may you enjoy a long, happy, healthy retirement.”
During the meeting the council approved a resolution appointing Shannon DiFrancia as Deputy Clerk.
Police Chief Antonio Ellis presided over the introduction of two new patrol officers, Michael Batullo Jr. and Casey Jacoby. They took their oaths of office before the governing body and public during the session.
Ellis read some of Batullo’s extensive background, which began at the Beachwood Police Department in 2018.
“He has advanced to specialized roles such as Traffic Safety Officer, Drug Recognition Expert, and Field Training Officer,” the chief said. He added the new hire has extensive investigative skills that earned him roles with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Support Team and the Narcotics Strike Force.
Batullo also serves as Captain of the Beachwood First Aid Squad, managing emergency medical operations and community outreach. Prior to entering public safety, he developed strong leadership and communication skills through management roles in the private sector, substitute teaching, and coaching soccer.
The new officer holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Kean University and an Associate of Science in Mathematics from Ocean County College. He also has medical and instructional certifications and has been recognized with honors such as the Honorable Service Award, two Lifesaving Awards, the NJNEOA Award, and three consecutive Mothers Against Drunk Driving awards.
Jacoby is a public safety professional who began his public safety career in 2019 as an ocean lifeguard, eventually rising to lieutenant and supervising ocean rescue operations, staff training, and emergency responses.
“He graduated Cum Laude from Ocean County College with an Associate of Science in General Studies before pursuing studies in Leadership and Management at Rutgers Business School. He entered law enforcement in November 2024 as a Special Law Enforcement Officer Class II with the Seaside Park Police Department, conducting seasonal patrols, motor vehicle stops, and emergency calls,” Ellis said.
Jacoby joined the Old Bridge Township Police Department in October 2025 as a full-time police officer assigned to the Patrol Division. He holds specialized credentials in Radar, Emergency Medical Response (EMR), CPR/AED, Advanced First Aid, and Ocean Lifeguarding.
The chief said he was “proud to welcome two accomplished law enforcement professionals to the Manchester Township Police Department, where they can put their knowledge and experience to work for our residents on day one. Thank you to Mayor Joseph Hankins, members of the Township Council, and Township Administration for their continued support of our police department’s mission to provide our residents with the highest possible level of service. We all wish Patrolmen Batullo and Jacoby success as they transition to law enforcement roles here in Manchester Township.” The two officers will now begin the Manchester Township Police Department’s intensive Field Training and Evaluation Program, where they will be instructed and mentored by several highly trained officers.
