Chief Antonio Ellis is proud to announce the promotion of several veteran Manchester Township Police Department officers to new leadership roles within the agency during a ceremony held on July 3, 2024: Lt. Albert Vega to Captain, Sgt. Charles Brooks to Lieutenant, Sgt. Paul Bachovchin to Lieutenant, Ptl. Michael Guarino to Sergeant, Ptl. Steven Wendruff to Sergeant, and Ptl. Ryan Saul to Corporal. Mayor Robert Arace had the honor of administering the Oaths of Office in the presence of family, friends, police, and township personnel.
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 take 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 Award, Lifesaving Award, and Exceptional Duty Award.
Next, Lt. Bachovchin, who has a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Administrative Science and served as Sergeant since 2017, took his oath. Lt. Bachovchin has served in numerous roles in our department, from 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.
Taking his oath next was Sgt. Guarino, 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.
Earning the distinction of Corporal was Cpl. Saul, who has 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.
“This day would not have been possible without the continued support of Mayor Arace and the Township Council,” said Chief Ellis. “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.”