Manchester Police Receive Defibrillator Donated In Officer's Memory

Manchester Township police officers have carried automatic external defibrillators in patrol vehicles to assist people during emergencies.

Now, thanks to the generosity of a retired officer and cardiac equipment company, the department now has one to keep inside Town Hall in case of emergencies involving its own personnel.

The AED unit, which was donated by Cardiac Science at the request of retired Detective Sergeant Joe Howell, was presented to the police department on May 13 in memory of Cpl. Scott Thompson.

“This act of kindness is one of the many that we’ve seen since Scott passed. Hopefully we won’t have to use the AED, but it is comforting to know that it’s there,” said Chief Lisa Parker, who offered her gratitude to Cardiac Science and retired Detective Sgt. Howell.

Manchester Township Police personnel were joined in accepting the donation by Cpl. Thompson’s wife Tracy, and daughters Kelsey and Sidney.

Thompson passed away on April 10 while exercising in the police gym as part of the department’s wellness program.

Previously, all of the department’s AEDs were housed in patrol vehicles and the municipal detention facility, but none were kept in the gym.

“We’re very honored to have this opportunity to donate an AED unit to the department. Thank you for having us here,” said Joey Bombara, certified AED specialist for Cardiac Science who serves as the company’s territory manager for New Jersey, New York City and Long Island.

After his retirement, Dsg. Howell entered the emergency response vehicle business and, in his experience, noted that each fire truck was required to carry a defibrillator since most fire personnel deaths are attributed to heart attacks while on the job. He felt that, given the stress law enforcement officers deal with on a daily basis, they too should have an AED readily available within headquarters.

(Cpl. Scott Thompson’s wife Tracy and daughters Kelsey and Sidney pose with Chief Lisa Parker and Joey Bombara from Cardiac Science upon the donation of an automated external defibrillator for the police gym. Credit: Manchester Township Police)