The Manchester Township Police Department is pleased to welcome three new patrol officers to its ranks, Chris Kimbiz, Taylor Schandall, and Michael Sullivan. The new officers were sworn in by Mayor Robert Arace on January 31, 2023, in the presence of family, friends, police, and township personnel. The ceremony also featured the promotion of Ptl. Joseph Reilly to Sergeant, the lateral moves of Ptl. Conner Yatauro to the Traffic Safety Section; Ptl. Jesse Tate and Ptl. Michael Gardner to Detective; and the presentation of the Corporal distinction to veteran officer Ptl. Michael Terranova.
“When selecting individuals for any position within the Manchester Township Police Department, whether they be Patrol Officer, Sergeant, Detective, Traffic Safety or Corporal, our residents can rest assured that only top-tier candidates represent our agency,” said Chief Robert Dolan.
Sgt. Reilly, who is in his eleventh year as a Manchester Police officer, took the oath of office first. Sgt. Reilly, a former United States Marine Corps., Military Police Officer with service in Iraq and Japan, has been a Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, Youth Police Academy Instructor, member of the Honor Guard, and sniper with Ocean County Regional SWAT since being sworn in as Manchester Police Officer. He also is a Physical Fitness Instructor and Firearms Instructor at the Ocean County Police Academy. Sgt. Reilly holds a Master’s degree from Farleigh Dickinson University and has received the Chief’s Award, Life Saving Award, and two Chief’s Recognition Awards, among others.
Next to take the oath of office was Patrol Officer Chris Kimbiz, a 25-year-old Brick Township High School graduate who earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Kutztown University. Officer Kimbiz began his law enforcement career in 2020 when he was sponsored by the Seaside Heights Police Department to attend the Ocean County Police Academy for Class II officers. He graduated in April 2021 and began serving as a SLEO II. After a successful summer season, Ptl. Kimbiz was selected by Seaside Heights to continue working into the fall and winter months, which is reserved for only the SLEO II officers with exceptional work ethic and willingness to learn.Next, Patrol Officer Taylor Schandall, a 21-year-old Colts Neck High School graduate who earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Farleigh Dickinson University, took the oath of office. Officer Schandall was sponsored by the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department to attend Ocean County Police Academy in May 2021. After a successful summer season, Ptl. Schandall continued working with the Department into the fall and winter months. She was hired by the South Bound Brook Police Department as a full time officer in June 2022, where she was recognized for her remarkable job performance.
Last to take the oath of office was Patrol Officer Michael Sullivan, a 24-year-old lifelong Manchester Township resident who graduated from Manchester Township High School and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Farleigh Dickinson University. A former Class II officer in Seaside Heights, Officer Sullivan graduated the Ocean County Police Academy in 2022 and was hired by the Lakehurst Police Department as a part time officer in June 2022. Officer Sullivan came highly recommended for his exceptional work performance.
Chief Dolan explained that the intensive Manchester Township Police Department hiring process for the position of Patrol Officer began in July of 2021, when approximately 100 individuals submitted their applications for employment. During the first phase, applicants participated in the Physical Agility Examination held at the Manchester Township High School. This test consisted of pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, and a one mile run. Those who passed, advanced to the boxing component. Applicants who successfully completed all phases of the physical exam, went on to participate in the Written Examination. From there, the top scorers went before the Oral review Board for interviews. Those candidates considered for employment subsequently underwent a thorough background investigation and submitted to medical, psychological, and drug screenings.
Chief Dolan stated, “Only those individuals who are truly dedicated to excelling in the service of their community can successfully navigate the process.” “They will serve the residents of our community with honor and integrity.”
The ceremony also included the lateral move of Patrol Officer Conner Yatauro, a six-year veteran who has completed extensive training in crash investigations, to the Traffic Safety Section. Ptl. Yatauro is also a Child Safety Seat Technician and instructor for Emergency Vehicle Operators. Patrol Officers Jesse Tate and Michael Gardner were selected for assignment to the Narcotics Enforcement Team as Detectives. Det. Tate, a five-year veteran, has served as a Field Training Officer, as a Drone Operator and has participated/ assisted in numerous narcotics investigations prior to his new assignment. Det. Michael Gardner joined the Manchester Police Department in 2019 and consistently displayed an interest in narcotics-related investigations, leading to a number of seizures of drugs, vehicles, and currency.
To close out the ceremony, Patrol Officer Michael Terranova was honored with the Corporal designation, a distinction which was instituted in 2015 after being proposed by the late Cpl. Scott Thompson, who was its first recipient, posthumously. The distinction recognizes excellent officers with 20 or more years of service, the Corporal distinction is an honor bestowed to those who exhibit outstanding commitment to their department and profession. As a decorated 20-year veteran, Cpl. Terranova fit the criteria and proudly received his Corporal badge.
“None of this would have been possible without the support of the Mayor and Council,” Chief Dolan said.