The Manchester Township Police Department is pleased to announce the promotion of Detective Michael Steffen to Sergeant, the lateral transfers of Sergeant Joseph Fastige to Detective Sergeant and Patrolman Nicholas Greenwood to Detective, and the hiring of Patrolman Anthony Irizarry during a ceremony attended byMayor Joseph Hankins, members of the Township Council, police administration, friends, and family on April 15.

Following introductory remarks by Chief Antonio Ellis, Sgt. Steffenwas the first to take his oath of office. A graduate of Stockton University, Sgt. Steffen began his career with the Mercer County Park Rangers before joining the Manchester Township Police Department in 2013, excelling in the academy by earning the High Overall Award. Throughout his tenure in the Patrol Division and Investigations Bureau, he has held diverse roles including Detective, SWAT operator, and specialized investigator for arson and animal cruelty cases. Beyond his operational duties, Sgt. Steffen serves as a lead departmental instructor and committee member, earning over 30 awards and commendations for meritorious service and lifesaving efforts.

Next, Ptl. Irizarry, a Summa Cum Laude Criminal Justice graduatefrom Ocean County College, took his oath. After beginning his law enforcement career as a Special Law Enforcement Officer in Point Pleasant Beach, he transitioned to a full-time role with the Galloway Township Police Department in 2022. During his tenure, Ptl. Irizarryearned several honors, including two Life Saving Awards and the Rookie of the Year Award, before joining the Manchester Township Police Department. Ptl. Irizarry, who holds a New Jersey State Seal of Biliteracy certification, will now begin an intensive Field Training and Evaluation Program, where he will be instructed and mentored by several highly trained officers.

Transferred laterally from the Patrol Division to the Investigations Bureau was Dsg. Fastige, who began his law enforcement career in 2008 with the Seaside Heights Police Department before joining the Manchester Township Police in 2011. Dsg. Fastige has served in the Patrol Bureau, the Narcotics Enforcement, and the Investigations Bureau. Throughout his tenure, he has managed high-level investigations, served as the department’s Social Media Manager, and acted as an instructor for the NJSACOP Command and Leadership Program. A highly educated and decorated officer, Dsg. Fastige holds a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and has earned over 20 departmental awards alongside three Chief’s Awards.

The final lateral transfer from the Patrol Division to the Investigations Bureau was Det. Nicholas Greenwood, a decorated law enforcement professional who holds a bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University. Since joining the Manchester Township Police Department as a Special Law Enforcement Officer in 2013, later becoming a full-time Officer in 2015, he has served in the Patrol Division and Investigations Bureau while holding specialized roles such as SWAT Operator and Firearms Instructor. His extensive expertise in tactical training and departmental safety is reflected in over 15 prestigious honors, including the Medal of Honor and the Silver Medal of Valor.

“I would like to thank Mayor Hankins, members of the Township Council, and Township Administration for their continued support of our police department’s mission to provide our residents with the highest possible level of service,” said Chief Antonio Ellis, who noted that the hiring, promotion, and transfer of offices was necessary to ensure adequate staffing following recent retirementsand promotions. “I join with our community in wishing each officer success as they move into new roles of their law enforcement careers in service of Manchester Township and its residents.”