3 Officers Join Manchester Police Force, 1 Promoted To Sergeant

MANCHESTER, NJ — The Manchester Township Police Department welcomed three new officers and promoted one of its officers during ceremonies at the township's municipal building on Tuesday.

In addition, four other officers were honored at the celebration, one for 20 years of service, and three whose roles are changing.

The new patrol officers are Chris Kimbiz, Taylor Schandall, and Michael Sullivan, and they were sworn in by Mayor Robert Arace.

Patrolman Joseph Reilly was promoted to sergeant, and veteran Patrolman Michael Terranova received the corporal distinction. Patrolman Conner Yatauro moved to the Traffic Safety Section, and Patrolmen Jesse Tate and Michael Gardner shifted to the Detective Bureau, Capt. Vincent Manco said.

"When selecting individuals for any position within the Manchester Township Police Department, whether they be patrol officer, sergeant, detective, traffic safety or corporal, our residents can rest assured that only top-tier candidates represent our agency," Chief Robert Dolan said.

Reilly is in his 11th year as a Manchester police officer. He served in Iraq and Japan in the U.S. Marine Corps as a military police officer before joining the Manchester force. In the department he has been a field training officer, a firearms instructor, and a Youth Police Academy instructor. He has served in the Honor Guard, and has been a sniper with Ocean County Regional SWAT. Reilly also is a physical fitness instructor and firearms instructor at the Ocean County Police Academy. He has a master’s degree from Farleigh Dickinson University and has received the Chief’s Award, Life Saving Award, and two Chief’s Recognition Awards, among others.

Kimbiz, 25, is a graduate of Brick Township High School and has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Kutztown University. Kimbiz was sponsored by the Seaside Heights Police Department to attend the Ocean County Police Academy for Class II officers in 2020, graduating in April 2021. He served there as a SLEO II in the summer, then was selected to continue working into the fall and winter months, "which is reserved for only the SLEO II officers with exceptional work ethic and willingness to learn," Manco said.

Schandall, 21, is a Colts Neck High School graduate and earned a bachelor’s degree from Farleigh Dickinson University. Schandall was sponsored by the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department to attend Ocean County Police Academy in May 2021. She worked there in the summer and continued working with the department into the fall and winter months. She was hired full-time by the South Bound Brook Police Department in June 2022, "where she was recognized for her remarkable job performance," Manco said.

Sullivan, 24, is a lifelong Manchester resident and Manchester Township High School graduate. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Farleigh Dickinson University and worked as a Class II officer in Seaside Heights. He graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy in 2022 and was hired by the Lakehurst Police Department part-time in June 2022. "Officer Sullivan came highly recommended for his exceptional work performance," he said.

Yatauro, a six-year veteran who has completed extensive training in crash investigations, transferred to the Traffic Safety Section. He also is a child safety seat technician and instructor for emergency vehicle operators.

Tate and Gardner were selected for assignment to the Narcotics Enforcement Team as detectives. Tate, a five-year veteran, has served as a field training officer, as a drone operator and has participated/assisted in numerous narcotics investigations prior to his new assignment. Gardner joined the Manchester Police Department in 2019 and consistently displayed an interest in narcotics-related investigations, leading to a number of seizures of drugs, vehicles, and currency.

Terranova was honored with the corporal designation, a distinction instituted in 2015 after being proposed by the late Cpl. Scott Thompson; Thompson was its first recipient, posthumously. The distinction recognizes excellent officers with 20 or more years of service, and is "an honor bestowed to those who exhibit outstanding commitment to their department and profession."

"As a decorated 20-year veteran, Cpl. Terranova fit the criteria and proudly received his Corporal badge," Manco said.

Chief Robert Dolan said the hiring process for patrol officers started in July 2021 with about 100 applicants. They took the physical agility exam that consisted of pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1-mile run. Those who passed advanced to the boxing component. Applicants who passed all phases of the physical exam then took a written exam, and the top scorers there went before the oral review board for interviews. Candidates considered for employment subsequently underwent a thorough background investigation and submitted to medical, psychological, and drug screenings.

"Only those individuals who are truly dedicated to excelling in the service of their community can successfully navigate the process," Dolan said "They will serve the residents of our community with honor and integrity."

"None of this would have been possible without the support of the Mayor and Council," he said.