MANCHESTER – Two of the Township’s Finest were recently promoted. Manchester Police Officer Sgt. Albert Vega is now a lieutenant while Patrolman Ian Bole will now wear sergeant stripes.
The police department also hired two new recruits, Patrolman Brendan Brush and Special Law Enforcement Officer Class II Sage Sysol.
Mayor Kenneth T. Palmer administered their oaths of office earlier in the month, during a closed ceremony due to COVID-19 pandemic precautions.
Lt. Vega joined the police department back in 2003 and previously served in the Investigations Bureau as a detective and later detective sergeant. He led the Narcotics Enforcement Team and holds a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
The officer was also a member of the Ocean County Regional SWAT team and serves as an instructor in numerous law enforcement disciplines. He was presented with the Chief’s Achievement Award in 2018.
Sgt. Bole is a former member of the Traffic Safety Section who started his career with the Township Police Department in 2007. He also earned his master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and has extensive training and experience in traffic safety matters.
Bole served as an instructor at the Ocean County Police Academy and received the Chief’s Recognition Award in 2014 and 2016.
Patrolman Brush is a Toms River High School East graduate whose previous work includes serving as a Class I Officer in Point Pleasant Beach. Brush earned an Associate’s Degree from Ocean County College and is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree at Kean-Ocean University.
The patrolman also completed an internship with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit.
Sysol graduated from Pinelands Regional High School in 2015 and earned an associate’s degree from Ocean County College. The officer is working toward his bachelor’s degree at Stockton University.
He served as a Class I Officer in Seaside Heights and completed his Class II training in 2019.
Police Chief Lisa Parker said, “There is no question that Lt. Vega and Sgt. Bole are dedicated, resourceful and decorated officers who will continue their exemplary service to our residents in their new leadership roles. We’re also pleased to welcome Ptl. Brush and SLEO II Sysol, who have proven that they have what it takes to become successful law enforcement officers.”
“I’d like to thank Mayor Palmer and the Township Council for their continued support of our Police Department,” Chief Parker said.
The new officers have started an intensive 12-week field training and evaluation program, during which time they will be instructed and mentored by several highly trained senior officers.
Following their successful completion of that program both officers will be assigned to a patrol squad.
The department’s hiring process began in June of 2019, when approximately 125 individuals submitted their applications for employment. During the first phase of the program, applicants participated in the physical agility examination held at Manchester Township High School.
This grueling test consisted of pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, and a one mile run and all applicants who achieved a passing score advanced to the boxing component.
Around 70 applicants completed all portions of the physical exam and they were invited to participate in the written examination phase.
At that point, the top scorers went before the Oral Board for extensive interviews. Those candidates considered for employment underwent an extensive background check and submitted to medical, psychological, and drug screenings.
The chief added, “we wish Lt. Vega, Sgt. Bole, Patrolman Brush, and SLEO II Sysol the best of luck as they begin the next chapters in their law enforcement careers here in Manchester Township.”
