MANCHESTER – Police Chief Antonio Ellis had the honor once again to introduce two new police officers to the governing body and the public. Both were sworn in during a recent Township Council meeting.
Chief Ellis provided some background on Patrolmen Tyler O’Brien and Colin Geraghty, who took their oaths from Township Clerk Teri Giercyk, early in the session.
O’Brien, 29, began his law enforcement career in 2018 with the Seaside Park Police Department. After successfully completing his first summer with the department, he was selected to return to the academy as a Class II SLEO (Special Law Enforcement Officer) candidate.
He graduated in 2019 and received the High Marksmanship Award. Following another successful summer season with Seaside Park Police, and was hired by the Deal Police Department as a Class II SLEO.
Chief Ellis said, “in 2021, he transferred to the Pemberton Borough Police Department, where his superiors quickly recognized his dependability, strong work ethic, and eagerness to continue learning and growing as an officer.”
Next up to take his oath was Patrolman Geraghty, 27. Chief Ellis said the new officer, “began his law enforcement journey in 2019 as a Class I Special Law Enforcement Officer with the Beach Haven Police Department. He served the community for three consecutive summers, during which he also volunteered with the Police Athletic League.”
“In 2022, Beach Haven selected him to attend the Ocean County Police Academy, where he graduated and served as a Class II officer that summer, earning a Lifesaving Award. Later that year, he joined the Hightstown Police Department as a full-time officer, proudly serving for nearly three years. During that time, he continued to grow as a knowledgeable, steady, and well-rounded officer,” Ellis added.
“As they take the next steps in their law enforcement careers with the Manchester Township Police Department, Patrolman O’Brien and Patrolman Geraghty bring with them not just experience, but a strong sense of purpose, service, and integrity,” Chief Ellis remarked.
The chief added, “we are proud to welcome these proven officers to the Manchester Police family and look forward to the many ways they will contribute to our community. I would like to thank Mayor Joseph Hankins, members of the Township Council, and Township Administration for their continued support of our police department and our mission to serve our residents at the highest possible level.”
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.
Chief Ellis said, “we wish Patrolman O’Brien and Patrolman Geraghty success in their law enforcement careers serving Manchester Township and its residents.”
Council President Roxy Conniff congratulated the two officers and described the township police department “as the best department in New Jersey.”
Vice Council President James Vaccaro echoed those remarks as did Councilwoman Sandy Drake who noted that she was a former member of the township police department. The mayor and Councilmembers Craig Wallis and Michele Zolezi were absent from that meeting.
