The Manchester Township Police Department is pleased to announce the hiring of Patrolman William Kavanagh. Patrolman Kavanagh was officially sworn in during the Manchester Township Council Meeting on June 8, 2026. Joining him for the ceremony were Mayor Joseph Hankins, members of Township Council, Chief Antonio Ellis, members of the Manchester Township Police Department command staff, family, friends, and fellow officers as he took the oath of office and began his career with the department.
Patrolman Kavanagh joins the Manchester Township Police Department with a strong background in public safety, law enforcement, training, and leadership.
A graduate of Monmouth University, Kavanagh earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Homeland Security and later attended the Ocean County Police Academy, graduating as a member of SLEO II Class 47. During the academy, he distinguished himself academically and physically, graduating second overall in academics and ranking among the top recruits in physical training.
In June 2021, Kavanagh was hired by the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department, where he served in the Patrol Division. During the 2023 and 2024 summer seasons, he was selected as the Boardwalk Officer in Charge, supervising Special Law Enforcement Officers and overseeing daily operations in one of the borough’s busiest areas.
In addition to his patrol responsibilities, Kavanagh has served as an instructor at the Ocean County Police Academy since 2023. He currently serves as both the Physical Training Program Lead Instructor and Defensive Tactics Program Lead Instructor, helping train the next generation of law enforcement officers while continuing to serve in a patrol capacity.
Chief Antonio Ellis stated, “William’s experience, professionalism, and commitment to public service make him an outstanding addition to the Manchester Township Police Department. His background in patrol operations, supervision, and police training will be a tremendous asset to both our department and the residents we serve. We are excited to welcome him to our team and look forward to his future success.”