The Manchester Township Police Department promoted Officer Christian Nazario to the rank of lieutenant during a ceremony held earlier this week.

Police Chief Antonio Ellis announced the promotion, which took place in the presence of family members, colleagues, and township officials. Joseph Hankins administered the oath of office.

In a statement, Ellis cited Nazario’s leadership and service as key factors in the promotion.

“As a proven leader who has supervised both the Narcotics Enforcement Team and Investigations Bureau as a detective sergeant, Lt. Nazario’s dedication to this agency and our residents remains unmatched,” Ellis said.

Nazario, a lifelong resident of Manchester Township, began his law enforcement career as a Police Explorer and Auxiliary Officer. He holds a master’s degree in business administration and graduated second overall from the Ocean County Police Academy, Class No. 86.

He joined the department in 2007 and has served in multiple roles, including field training officer, Police Explorer advisor, and operator with the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team.

His investigative background includes assignments with the department’s Narcotics Enforcement Team and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, where he served as a team leader during what officials described as the county’s largest drug investigation at the time.

Promoted to sergeant in 2021, Nazario supervised the Narcotics Enforcement Team and led the department’s first strict liability drug-induced death investigation, as well as its largest drug trafficking seizure. In 2024, he returned to the Investigations Bureau, overseeing departmental programs and serving as liaison to the Manchester School District.

Nazario has completed advanced leadership training through the FBI LEEDA institutes and currently serves as president of the Superior Officers Association union. He has received more than 30 commendations for leadership and service.

Ellis credited township leadership and staff for supporting the department’s leadership development.

“This day would not have been possible without the continued support of Mayor Hankins, the Township Council, and the administration,” Ellis said. “We wish Lt. Nazario well as he assumes this new leadership role.”