MANCHESTER – The Police Department recently noted several promotions and transfers within the department, which were celebrated by the governing body.
There was a promotion of Detective Michael Steffen to sergeant, the lateral transfers of Sgt. Joseph Fastige to detective sergeant and Patrolman Nicholas Greenwood to Detective, and the hiring of Patrolman Anthony Irizarry during a ceremony attended by Mayor Joseph Hankins, members of the Township Council, police administration, friends, and family recently.
Following introductory remarks by Chief Antonio Ellis, Sgt. Steffen was the first to take his oath of office. A graduate of Stockton University, Sgt. Steffen began his career with the Mercer County Park Rangers before joining the Manchester Township Police Department in 2013, excelling in the academy by earning the High Overall Award. Throughout his tenure in the Patrol Division and Investigations Bureau, he has held diverse roles including Detective, SWAT operator, and specialized investigator for arson and animal cruelty cases. Beyond his operational duties, Sgt. Steffen serves as a lead departmental instructor and committee member, earning over 30 awards and commendations for meritorious service and lifesaving efforts.
Patrolman. Irizarry, a Summa Cum Laude Criminal Justice graduate from Ocean County College, took his oath. After beginning his law enforcement career as a Special Law Enforcement Officer in Point Pleasant Beach, he transitioned to a full-time role with the Galloway Township Police Department in 2022. During his tenure, Irizarry earned several honors, including two Life Saving Awards and the Rookie of the Year Award, before joining the Manchester Police.
Irizarry, who holds a New Jersey State Seal of Biliteracy certification, will now begin an intensive Field Training and Evaluation Program, where he will be instructed and mentored by several highly trained officers.
Transferred laterally from the Patrol Division to the Investigations Bureau was Fastige, who began his law enforcement career in 2008 with the Seaside Heights Police Department before joining the Manchester Police in 2011.
He has served in the Patrol Bureau, the Narcotics Enforcement, and the Investigations Bureau. Throughout his tenure, he has managed high-level investigations, served as the department’s Social Media Manager, and acted as an instructor for the NJSACOP Command and Leadership Program.
Fastige holds a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and has earned over 20 departmental awards alongside three Chief’s Awards.
The final lateral transfer from the Patrol Division to the Investigations Bureau was Det. Nicholas Greenwood, a decorated law enforcement professional who holds a bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University. Since joining the Manchester Police as a Special Law Enforcement Officer in 2013, later becoming a full-time Officer in 2015, he has served in the Patrol Division and Investigations Bureau while holding specialized roles such as SWAT Operator and Firearms Instructor.
His extensive expertise in tactical training and departmental safety is reflected in over 15 prestigious honors, including the Medal of Honor and the Silver Medal of Valor.
Chief Ellis thanked the mayor, council and township administration for “their continued support of our police department’s mission to provide our residents with the highest possible level of service.” He noted that the hiring, promotion, and transfer of offices was necessary to ensure adequate staffing following recent retirements and promotions.
“I join with our community in wishing each officer success as they move into new roles of their law enforcement careers in service of Manchester Township and its residents,” the chief added.
Councilwoman Michele Zolezi welcomed Irizarry. “We have a great police department here. I want to also acknowledge public safety telecommunicators week. In a time of need they are definitely super important and we are very thankful.”
Mayor Joseph Hankins presented a proclamation to several township telecommunicators on behalf of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week during the meeting.
Chief Ellis said that they work with the township’s EMS, fire companies and police department and would be honored with some special food dishes during Telecommunicators Week. “They will be very well fed.”
Also at the meeting, Councilwoman Sandra Drake, a long- time volunteer for the Manchester Little League, thanked “all the local volunteer coaching going on in our town. Coaches of football, baseball, soccer and others. They are very devoted to the job and I wanted to thank them for putting in the time for this.”
Council Vice President James Vaccaro noted the recently held “opening day Little League ceremonies. It was a beautiful day and well attended.”
Economic Ideas
In other news, Councilman Vaccaro noted during his council report that “we need to be a catalyst for the growth of new businesses to move into Manchester Township. By doing such we would be able to transfer a portion of the real estate tax burden from the residents to our new commercial stakeholders thus making Manchester Township more affordable for our residents.”
“The new commercial businesses and development will generate new tax ratables that will produce an increase in tax revenues,” he added. He noted that “as the governing body would have to utilize smart growth “areas of commercial and development enhancements, we have to keep Manchester Township rural in nature.”
The official called for the waiving of fees for small businesses who are looking into starting up businesses or relocating to the township. “Other towns are using this method to increase business growth. Why not Manchester?”
“We should restart our Shop in Manchester program,” he said, explaining that if you shop in town at participating businesses, you earn property tax credits which reduces your property tax or offers rebates for renters.
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