MANCHESTER – Members of the township police department came out to be introduced, promoted, and recognized during a recent ceremony held at the Municipal Complex Civic Center.
Chief Antonio Ellis greeted members of the public, relatives and friends of the officers as he announced the promotion of Detective Patrick Cervenak and Patrolman Jason Wiener to sergeant, the designation of Corporal to Patrolman Robert Maccaquano, and the lateral transfer of Patrolman Thomas Chant to Detective during the ceremony.
Also in attendance were Mayor Joseph Hankins, Vice Council President James Vaccaro and Councilwoman Sandy Drake.
“Today, we elevate two accomplished veteran officers as they assume leadership roles as sergeants, recognize a seasoned veteran patrolman as corporal for his years of honorable service, and welcome a new detective to our Investigations Bureau,” Chief Ellis said. “These individuals have earned their roles and recognitions, as they have continually demonstrated their commitment to serving the Manchester Township community.”
Taking his oath first was Sgt. Cervenak who started his law enforcement career in 2007 with the Manchester Township Police Department. He served in the Patrol Division until May 2023.
Cervenak was chosen to join the Investigations Bureau, where he served as a detective and in 2020, he earned his master’s degree in criminal justice from California Coast University.
Over the course of his career he received more than 20 awards and commendations, including the Chief’s Award, Valor Award, Meritorious Service Awards, Exceptional Duty Awards, citizen commendations, and positive performance notices.
Next to take the oath was Sgt. Wiener who began his law enforcement career in 2011 with the department and was assigned to the Patrol Division until his promotion.
Throughout his career, he received two Honorable Service Awards, the Administrative Commendation Award, Chief’s Recognition Award, Lifesaving Awards, the Kimberly Smith Ames DWI Award and MADD Award, and various Unit Citations. Wiener earned his master’s degree in criminal justice from California Coast University in 2020.
Receiving the distinguished corporal designation was Patrolman Maccaquano, who in 2005 was hired by the Manchester Township Police Department where he was assigned to the Patrol Division.
In addition to his positions as a detective and patrol officer, he held several specialized assignments including: Firearms Instructor, In-Service Departmental Instructor in the areas of Use of Force, Active Killer Response, Critical Incidents, and Range Safety. Over the course of his career, Cpl. Maccaquano received a Life Saving Award, two Meritorious Service Awards, two Honorable Service Awards, Unit Citations, Education Award, and Pistol Distinguished Expert Award.
Transferred laterally from the Patrol Division to Investigations Bureau was Detective Chant, who was hired by the Manchester Township Police Department in 2013. Chant was previously assigned to a part-time position in the Investigations Bureau and given a caseload in addition to his patrol responsibilities in 2021.
Chant has served as a Firearms Background Investigator, Field Training Officer, and as a member of the department’s Accreditation team.
Chief Ellis remarked, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mayor Hankins, members of the Township Council, and Township Administration for their continued support of our police department and our mission to serve our residents to the highest possible level.” “We wish each officer success as they continue their law enforcement careers in service of Manchester Township and its residents,” Ellis added.
