The Manchester Township Police Department has unveiled 10 new emergency vehicles purchased through a federal grant secured with the assistance of Congressman Chris Smith.

The new fleet includes nine Chevy Tahoe police SUVs and one animal control van funded through approximately $1.148 million awarded under the Fiscal Year 2024 Byrne Discretionary Grant Program. Township officials said the vehicles were obtained without any municipal tax burden.

Police Chief Antonio Ellis was joined by Manchester Township elected officials and Congressman Smith during the unveiling ceremony, where officials highlighted the department’s efforts to replace an aging fleet that had increasingly become difficult to maintain.

According to the department, former Police Chief Robert Dolan first identified concerns several years ago after many patrol vehicles exceeded their operational lifespan and temporary repairs were no longer sufficient to keep the fleet service-ready.

“Our department — serving over 45,000 residents across 85 square miles — was facing increasing demands with limited resources,” Ellis said in a statement. “That’s when we put forward a comprehensive plan — focused on restoring reliability, safety, and sustainability, and that plan led to the real results we see before us today.”

Township officials said Dolan worked with then-Mayor and current Commissioner Rob Arace to seek federal assistance through Smith’s office.

Smith credited local officials and police leadership for advancing the funding request through the congressional appropriations process.

“Today is an amazing example of what good local governance can lead to,” Smith, whose fourth Congressional District includes Manchester, said. “Their remarkable advocacy has reaped tangible benefits for the people of Manchester Township.”

Ellis also thanked township officials and Smith for supporting the department’s public safety needs.

“I join with Congressman Smith in thanking our elected officials for their continued leadership and support in ensuring that our officers have the equipment they need to respond safely to calls for service,” Ellis said.

Officials said the upgraded fleet is expected to improve reliability, officer safety and overall emergency response capabilities throughout the township.