It is with great regret that the Manchester Township Police announces the untimely passing of veteran Officer Scott R. Thompson on Friday, April 10, 2015.352 Photo EOW 4-10-15

Officer Thompson was exercising in the police headquarters gym Friday morning when he collapsed and was later pronounced at Community Medical Center. Officer Thompson was 47 years old. Surviving are his wife, Tracy, and daughters Kelsey and Sydney.

Officer Thompson came highly recommended when he was hired by the Manchester Township Police in February of 1999. He began his law enforcement career in 1986 as a Special Officer in Seaside Park at age 18. Officer Thompson graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy in 1987, and in 1988 became a full time patrolman in South Toms River. In 1994, Officer Thompson was hired by the Lakehurst Police Department, where he was a member of the Manchester/Lakehurst Emergency Response Team.

“Scott was a kind, dedicated officer and family man. He loved his family and his fellow officers. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. We all loved Scott and he will be missed terribly,” said Chief Lisa Parker.

Officer Thompson received many commendations and letters of appreciation from those he helped throughout his career. A letter the department once received from a motorcycle crash victim thanking Officer Thompson for his assistance reads, in part: “I could not have been in better hands than those of Officer Thompson. He was caring, professional, and represented your department in a manner which you should be proud.”

Officer Thompson most recently was honored with a 2014 Meritorious Service Award for peacefully resolving a potentially volatile situation with an individual suffering from a mental illness. Before his passing, Officer Thompson was slated for a promotion to the rank of Corporal. He will receive that honor posthumously during a ceremony to be announced at a later date. Information regarding funeral services will be announced as it becomes available.

A fundraising campaign raising money for Officer Thompson’s family is available by clicking here.