MANCHESTER – Mayor Robert Arace recently swore in several members of the township police department who were joined by members of their family.
Chief Antonio Ellis – who himself was appointed recently as leader of the department – said he was proud to announce the promotion of several veteran officers to new leadership roles within the agency during a ceremony.
Lt. Albert Vega was promoted to captain; Sgt. Charles Brooks received the rank of lieutenant; Sgt. Paul Bachovchin was promoted to lieutenant; Patrolman Michael Guarino is now a sergeant; Patrolman Steven Wendruff was promoted to sergeant; and Patrolman Ryan Saul was promoted to corporal.
Mayor Arace administered their oaths of office in the presence of family, friends, police, and township personnel.
“These officers lead by example and have consistently proven their dedication to this agency and our residents,” Chief Ellis remarked. “They take an immense amount of pride in putting on the Manchester Township Police Department uniform. I’m proud of the strong foundation of exemplary leadership that is in place within our department.”
Taking his oath first was Capt. Vega, who holds a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Administrative Science and most recently as lieutenant oversaw the Investigations Bureau. Capt. Vega has earned and achieved over 20 awards and commendations throughout his service to include two Chief’s Awards, two Chief’s Commendation Awards, two Drug Enforcement Seizure Awards, two Exceptional Duty Awards, and seven Unit Citations.
Next to receive his oath was Lt. Brooks, who earned his bachelor’s degree in public administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University and had served as sergeant since 2011. Among his many awards and commendations, Lt. Brooks was recognized with two Chief’s Awards, Lifesaving Award, and Exceptional Duty Award.
Lt. Bachovchin followed. He has a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Administrative Science and served as sergeant since 2017. Lt. Bachovchin has served as a D.A.R.E. officer, part time Traffic Safety Officer, radar instructor, Child Passenger Safety Technician, Honor Guard member, Field Training Officer, and Municipal Alliance Chairman.
Sgt. Guarino is a former member of the Narcotics Enforcement Team who earned a Master’s Degree from California Coast University. Among his accolades, Sgt. Guarino has achieved Pistol Expert, Exceptional Service Award, Chief’s Recognition Award, Life Saving Award, MADD Award, the Kimberly Smith Ames Award, and Distinguished Service Award.
Sgt. Wendruff, a founding member of the Narcotics Enforcement Team and current K-9 handler who has a Master’s Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, was the final officer to take his oath. Sgt. Wendruff has received numerous awards and accolades including four Life Saving Awards, one of which was issued last month by the 200 Club of Ocean County’s Valor Awards, the Drug Enforcement Award, a Meritorious Service Award, and an Administrative Commendation Award.
Saul earned the distinction of corporal having actively been a member of the Department Honor Guard, representing the department at law enforcement funerals, memorial services, and special events. He also serves as municipal court liaison and has earned numerous awards and commendations throughout his service to include three Life Saving Awards, two Honorable Service Awards, and one Meritorious Service Award.
Chief Ellis said, “This day would not have been possible without the continued support of Mayor Arace and the Township Council. I join with the rest of our department to wish the best of luck and continued success to all of the officers taking on new leadership roles.”
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