The Manchester Township Police Department is pleased to welcome two Patrolmen, Sean Rembach and Joseph Stapleton, Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician Nathan Brown, and Police Chaplain Rev. Dr. J. Francis Watson, who were sworn in by Mayor Robert Hudak on September 6, 2022, in front of family, friends, police and firefighter personnel.

Taking the oath first was Ptl. Rembach, a lifelong Manchester Township resident who previously served in the United States Army as a Military Police officer, as well as a Special Law Enforcement Officer Class II in Point Pleasant Beach and Patrolman in Cherry Hill. A Manchester Township High School graduate, Ptl. Rembach earned his Associates Degree from Central Texas College and is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree from Farleigh Dickinson University.

Ptl. Stapleton, who grew up in Brick, took his oath next. Beginning his law enforcement career as a Special Law Enforcement Officer Class I in Bayhead, Ptl. Stapleton moved on to positions with the State Department of Corrections, Mantoloking Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Department. A Brick High School graduate, Ptl. Stapleton went on to complete his Associates Degree at Ocean County College.

Chief Robert Dolan explained that the intensive Manchester Township Police Department hiring process for the position of Patrolman began in July of 2021, when approximately 100 individuals submitted their applications for employment. For the first phase, applicants participated in the Physical Agility Examination held at the Manchester Township High School.

The grueling physical test consisted of pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1 mile run. Those applicants who achieved a passing score advanced to the boxing component. Those applicants who completed all portions of the physical exam were invited to participate in the Written Examination phase. From there, the top scorers went before the Oral Board for extensive interviews. Those candidates considered for employment underwent a thorough background investigation and submitted to medical, psychological, and drug screenings.

These Patrolmen will begin the Manchester Township Police Department’s intensive twelve week Field Training and Evaluation Program where they will be instructed and mentored by several highly trained, veteran officers.

Following the swearing in of the Patrolmen, Mayor Hudak administered the Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician Oath to Nathan Brown. A 21-year township resident, Firefighter/EMT Brown is a Manchester Township High School resident who joined Whiting Volunteer Fire Company in 2015, completing his training at the Ocean County Fire Academy. Additionally, Firefighter/EMT Brown recently obtained his certification in Fire Investigations and is a Fire Inspector.

The Township also welcomed Rev. Dr. Watson to his role as Police Chaplain, becoming the fourth individual serving in this capacity. Rev. Dr. Watson currently serves as the Pastor for the Christ Lutheran Church in Whiting and graduated from Police Chaplain training in May of 2022. Having earned his Ph.D. in Historical Theology from Drew University in 2001, Rev. Dr. Watson has been honored with numerous awards throughout his career including the Award of Commendation from Concordia Historical Institute in 2010 and 2015.

“No matter the position, whether Patrolman, Firefighter/EMT or Police Chaplain, the Manchester Township Police Department and Division of Emergency Services selects only top-tier candidates through vigorous pre-employment testing,” said Chief Robert Dolan. “Only those individuals who are truly dedicated to excelling in the service of their community can successfully navigate the process. Every candidate taking their oath today has proven that they are immensely qualified to join our agency. They will serve the residents of our community with honor and integrity.”

We wish Patrolmen Rembach and Stapleton, Firefighter/EMT Brown, and Police Chaplain Watson success in their public safety careers serving the residents and visitors of Manchester Township.