Manchester Swears In 2 New Police Officers

MANCHESTER, NJ — Manchester Township has two new patrol officers, Gavin Reilly and Victoria Raub, who were sworn in Monday by Mayor Kenneth T. Palmer during a ceremony in the Municipal Complex Civic Center in front of family and police personnel, township officials said.

Reilly joins the force as a patrolman after serving as a Class II Special Officer in the Manchester Township Police Department since November 2016. Reilly, 23, of Toms River, has an associate's degree from Ocean County College and a bachelor's degree from Kean University and made the Dean’s List every semester. Reilly, who graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy Special Class II Training, 36th Class, excelled as a Class II officer, officials said.

Raub, 26, of Barnegat, has previously served as an officer in Long Beach Township and Evesham Township, officials said. She excelled in athletics and academics throughout her schooling. Raub was a member of the Phi Theta Cappa Honor Society at Ocean County College, and later transferred to Stockton University where she completed her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2012. Raub graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy, 39th Class II Special Officer training class in 2016.

The hiring process began in January 2016, when more than 230 applicants participated in the physical agility examination held at Manchester Township High School. The test consisted of pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, squat thrusts, and a 1-mile run. Those applicants who achieved a passing score advanced to the boxing component of the testing process. Approximately half of the applicants completed all phases of the physical exam successfully and advanced to the written examination phase. From there, the top scorers went before the oral board for extensive interviews. The top candidates underwent a thorough background investigation and passed medical, psychological, and drug screenings, officials said.

“We strive to select the absolute best officers, upstanding individuals who have proven that they are capable of proudly serving our department and the community," Parker said. "The public can rest assured that only a select few exemplary candidates successfully complete our intensive hiring process.”

Raub now will begin the Manchester Township Police Department’s intensive 12-week field training and evaluation program; this program was previously completed by Reilly as a special officer. During the training, Raub will be instructed and mentored by several highly trained and seasoned officers, officials said.

“We are able to welcome these patrolmen to our police department because of the continued support of Mayor Palmer and the Township Council. They help to make all of this possible, and I say this with sincerity and appreciation of their commitment to providing us with the tools we need to keep our residents safe,” Parker said.

Photos by Greg Kyriakakis, Manchester Township Communications