MANCHESTER – As Patrol Officer Ashley Ventura took her oath of office as Manchester Police’s newest hire, she extended the legacy of her late father who was also a police officer.
Police Chief Antonio Ellis once again had the honor of taking the podium and introducing the latest addition to the department. He provided her background information about her before a room full of fellow officers, residents and family members.
Ventura, 28, was born and raised in Jackson to parents Jennifer and the late Robert “Robbie” Ventura, who proudly served with that community’s police department. Her father died in the line of duty in 2001 and she was inspired by his legacy and knew that her path was a career in law enforcement.
She was present in March when family, friends, and fellow police officers came out to remember her dad during a street naming ceremony in Jackson. The highway sign bearing his name was unveiled and several presentations were made during the morning event held near the Jackson Township Justice Complex on West Veterans Highway.
“When my dad died all these guys (Jackson Township police officers) just stepped in. They showed up at my prom with a whole parade of police officers and fire trucks and they escorted me to the prom and that is why I decided to join the force. No one is ever left behind. It is truly an extended family and it is still going on,” she told Jersey Shoreonline.com at the street dedication in her father’s honor.
“It is such a remarkable thing and so very special,” Ashley Ventura added.
Following her graduation in 2015 at Saint John Vianney High School, she went on to earn a Division I softball scholarship to Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. After college, she started working with adults with disabilities while also coaching travel softball.
In 2021, she pursued a career in law enforcement and later joined the Toms River Police Department as a Class I Booking Officer. That same year she attended the Ocean County Police Academy as a SLEO II (special law enforcement officer) recruit for the Seaside Park Police Department.
A year later she was hired full time by the West Windsor Police Department and while serving there she took special interest in community policing and actively assisted with the Youth Academy, the Winter Special Olympics, and the C.O.P.S. (Concerns Of Police Survivors) Outward Bound Program.
Ellis said Ventura was regarded by her shift mates as dependable, professional, and an excellent team player. “I join with all of our department’s officers to welcome Patrol Officer Ventura to the Manchester Police family.”
“We look forward to the many ways in which Patrol Officer Ventura will utilize her interest in community policing to contribute to our department and community,” Chief Ellis added. The new officer will now begin the Manchester Township Police Department’s intensive Field Training and Evaluation Program, where she will be instructed and mentored by several highly trained officers.
“I would like to thank Mayor (Joseph) Hankins, members of the Township Council, and Township Administration as they continue to support our police department’s mission to provide our residents with the highest possible level of service,” Chief Ellis noted. “We all wish Patrol Officer Ventura well as she begins the next chapter of her law enforcement career here in Manchester Township.”
Chief Ellis said, “we are continuing to hire high quality officers to do the job to serve the residents of Manchester as we welcome Ashley to our family. Outside of work Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her dog. She enjoys fitness and adventure with interest in jiu jitsu, working out, snowboarding and whitewater rafting. She currently resides in Toms River.”
Ventura took to the podium herself after she was sworn in by Mayor Hankins. “I want to thank Chief Ellis and Mayor Hankins for this opportunity. I am excited to learn and grow with the Manchester Township Police Department. I look forward to building and working alongside with the Manchester community. I want to thank my family and friends for coming and the officers who are here.”
