The Manchester Township Police Department is pleased to welcome three Patrolmen, Carlos Belardo, Michael Contreras, and Ryan Thompson, who were sworn in by Clerk Teri Giercyk on July 15, 2024, in front of family, friends and police and township personnel.

“When welcoming new Patrolmen to the ranks of the Manchester Township Police Department, our residents can rest assured that the upcoming generation of officers have what it takes to serve our Township,” said Chief Antonio Ellis. “These individuals have demonstrated their commitment to service and our community should be proud of their dedication in successfully navigating our department’s intensive hiring process.”

While hired on July 8, Ptl. Belardo ceremoniously took his oath on July 15. Ptl. Belardo was born and raised in Manhattan, NY, and was an NYPD Cadet Explorer in high school. He graduated Manhattan Hunter Science High School in 2014 with an academic scholarship to Hunter College and is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree. In 2022, Ptl. Belardo joined the United States Army Reserves, received certification as a Combat Medic and remains active in the Army Reserves. Ptl. Belardo will enter the Ocean County Police Academy this September.

Taking his oath next was Ptl. Contreras, who was born in Bogota, Colombia, and raised in Galloway. An Absegami High School graduate, Ptl. Contreras would go on to receive his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2018. Ptl. Contreras most recently served as a full-time police officer with the Egg Harbor Township Police Department, where he was a Field Training Officer, an Adopt-a-Cop officer, Alco-test and radar certified, Drug Impaired Driving (DID) certified, and License Plate Reader certified. During his tenure in Egg Harbor Township, he received the Life-Saving award, Firearms award and Physical Fitness award.

To close the ceremony, Ptl. Thompson took his oath. A Lacey Township High School graduate, Ptl. Thompson went on to attend Ocean County College, where he received his associate’s degree in social science. After a successful summer season as a SLEO II with the Seaside Park Police Department, Ptl. Thompson was hired as a SLEO II Officer with the Absecon Police Department. During this time, Ptl. Thompson learned invaluable knowledge of police work and strong community skills that helped him become a full-time officer with Absecon in January of 2023 before transferring to the Brielle Police Department in March of 2024.

“I’m confident that these three Patrolmen will serve Manchester Township with honor and integrity,” said Chief Ellis. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mayor Robert Arace, members of the Township Council, and Township Administration for their continued support of our police department and our mission to serve our residents to the highest possible level.”