MANCHESTER – The township police department has a new lieutenant, Christian Nazario who was promoted during a recent ceremony that included Mayor Joseph Hankins, Councilman Craig Wallis, Councilwoman Sandy Drake and Police Chief Antonio Ellis.
The mayor administered the oath of office to Nazario who was surrounded by family, friends, police, and township personnel.
“As a proven leader who has supervised both the Narcotics Enforcement Team and Investigations Bureau as a Detective Sergeant, Lt. Nazario’s dedication to this agency and our residents remains unmatched,” the chief said. “I’m proud to welcome Lt. Nazario to our department’s command staff, where his exemplary leadership may continue to benefit all of our officers.”
The new lieutenant grew up in Manchester and started his law enforcement career as a Police Explorer and Auxiliary Officer. He holds a master’s degree in business administration and graduated second overall from the Ocean County Police Academy, Class No. 86.
Nazario joined the Manchester Township Police Department in 2007 and has served in numerous roles, including Field Training Officer, Police Explorer Advisor, and Ocean County Regional SWAT Team operator.
His investigative experience includes assignments with the Manchester Police Narcotics Enforcement Team and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, where he was a team leader during the county’s largest drug investigation at the time.
Nazario was promoted to sergeant in 2021 and he supervised the Narcotics Enforcement Team, leading the department’s first strict liability drug-induced death investigation and its largest drug trafficking seizure. He returned in 2024 to the Investigations Bureau, overseeing critical programs and serving as liaison to the Manchester School District.
He completed advanced leadership training through the FBI LEEDA institutes and currently serves as Superior Officers Association Union President. He has received over 30 commendations recognizing his leadership, service, and commitment to excellence.
Chief Ellis remarked, “this day would not have been possible without the continued support of Mayor Hankins, the Township Council, and the administration. I join with the rest of our department in wishing Lt. Nazario well as he assumes this new leadership role within our department.”
