MANCHESTER – A packed crowd came out to a recent Township Council meeting and the issue that drew residents of the Roosevelt City section of Whiting wasn’t economics, services or cell phone service, it was a future communications tower.
The tower is for emergency responder use – especially the township police department – to address more service in that area. Police Chief Antonio Ellis told The Manchester Times, “We are just preparing the next steps with additional information and bringing our stakeholders in to help support this public safety communication project which will be in presented. Justifications for the project was approved in December 2024.”
The chief provided a fact sheet to clarify the matter as there was some confusion to its exact purpose and how it operates expressed during the recent lengthy council meeting.
What is being built?
A public safety communications tower is being constructed to support police, fire, and EMS radio communications as part of the New Jersey State Police 700-megahertz system.
What this project is not:
This is not a commercial cell tower and it is not being used for cellular service at this time. It is not a private or for-profit project.
Why is this project needed?
Reliable communication is critical during emergencies, enhancing our ability to protect lives and property.
This telecommunications tower will:
The tower will improve radio coverage across Manchester Township and will also eliminate dead zones and dropped transmissions. The tower’s operation will help ensure first responders can communicate during emergencies.
It will also allow direct communication with New Jersey State Police and surrounding agencies and strengthen communications during storms, disasters, and major incidents.
What approvals have been obtained?
The Pinelands Commission which handles environmental and land use approval, Manchester Township (the land is township owned) are in partnership with the New Jersey State Police and Motorola Solutions. All required environmental and regulatory approvals have been obtained.
Will this project impact the environment?
One of the speakers at the night’s public comment period spoke in concern of the potential environmental impact of the project. The project has however been reviewed and approved under Pinelands regulations. Land clearing and construction are being conducted in compliance with strict environmental standards. The location was chosen to minimize impact while maximizing coverage.
Police Unity Tour
In other police related news the members of the township police department have been holding a series of fundraisers for their participation in the Police Unity Tour.
In 1997, Florham Park Police Officer Patrick Montuore came up with the idea to organize a four-day bicycle ride from New Jersey to Washington, D.C. to raise public awareness about law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.
Montuore wanted to make sure that that their sacrifice would never be forgotten and so the Police Unity Tour was formed. What began as an event with 18 riders on a four-day fund-raising bicycle ride from Florham Park to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. has grown over time into eight chapters consisting of nearly 2,100 members nationwide who make the trip annually. Participants include riders, motorcycles, and support personnel.
Ellis stated at a prior council meeting that while rewarding, the journey is long and challenging. He noted that those who participate in it, prepare for it throughout the year. Through fundraising and physical training, their efforts raise awareness of the ultimate sacrifice made by law enforcement officers.
Their journey concludes at the Memorial, where the riders are greeted by friends, family, and survivors. Once there, many Police Unity Tour riders present remembrance bracelets worn on their wrists throughout the journey to the families of the fallen.
Two years ago, the Police Unity Tour donated $2.2 million to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. That brought total donations to more than $37.5 million since its inception. The Police Unity Tour is the sponsor of the National Law Enforcement Museum’s Hall of Remembrance, the Memorial Fund’s Officer of the Month Award, and other special programs.
Chief Ellis noted that a recent Bingo night fundraiser to help supplement the expense of their team’s participation, “was a success. In total we need to raise $2,200 per rider.”
“We in total have organized four Police Unity Tour fundraisers for this year’s 30th anniversary ride,” he added. In February, the team started their fundraising efforts in cooperation with the Burger 25 in Brick Township that provided 25% of what they collected that day to the unity team.
The latest event was held on April 1 and involved Royal Grill 37 in Toms River who provided 25% of all sales to the Manchester Township Police Foundation to support the tour.
The first Manchester Police Foundation and Manchester Communications 5 Kilometer Color Run event on April 18 will be held at the Manchester Township High School. The fundraiser will start at 9 a.m. with a 5K run and the color run begins an hour later. This event will include a trophy presentation and food trucks.
