MANCHESTER – During a recent Township Council meeting, the town’s newest Special Law Enforcement Officer Class II (SLEO II) officer was sworn in.
Rachel Morris took her oath of office before Mayor Joseph Hankins during the meeting after Police Chief Antonio Ellis provided some of her background.
Ellis noted that Morris was born in Lakewood and grew up in Manchester. She graduated from Manchester Township High School in 2021, where she was highly involved in athletics, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year in both track and soccer, serving as soccer team captain, and being named soccer most valuable player, twice.
The new SLEO II attended Lock Haven University, where she earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and criminal justice and was named to the Dean’s List. She also played on the university’s women’s soccer team during her freshman year.
After graduating in 2024, Morris was hired by the Seaside Heights Police Department as a SLEO I Officer. Last year she attended the Ocean County Police Academy while continuing her service with the department as a SLEO II Officer.
Chief Ellis said, “it is always rewarding when we can welcome a Manchester resident, who grew up in our community, to serve in our police department and contribute to their hometown. I would like to thank Mayor 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 SLEO II Morris a safe and successful law enforcement career here in Manchester Township. She 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,” the chief said.
Council President Roxy Conniff welcomed Morris saying she had “truly joined the best police department in Ocean County if not New Jersey. We are proud to have a Manchester native on the force and Chief Ellis will be a great mentor.”
Council Vice President James Vaccaro also welcomed her noting pride in the township police department.
Councilwoman Sandy Drake, a former member of the township police department said, “I can say from firsthand experience you are now part of finest police department ever.”
Councilwoman Michele Zolezi noted that Morris’s hiring “comes on the heels of March which is Women’s Heritage month.”
Councilman Craig Wallis also welcomed Morris to the department.
Chief Ellis said that following her training she would be eligible to apply for a full-time position once one is available.
