Manchester Welcomes 3 Police Officers, Promotes 2 Officers

MANCHESTER, NJ — The Manchester Township Police Department welcomed three new officers during a ceremony on Monday at town hall.

In addition, one officer was promoted and another became a detective.

"Today we recognize the accomplishments of two veteran officers as they assume new roles within our department, and we welcome three outstanding recruits to our ranks," Manchester Police Chief Antonio Ellis said. "Our residents should be proud knowing that all our officers serve Manchester Township with honor and integrity. These individuals have demonstrated their commitment to service and community."

Detective Adam Emmons was promoted to sergeant. He began his law enforcement career in 2002 with the Seaside Heights Police Department and joined the Manchester force in 2005. In 2012 he moved to the Investigations Bureau, where he took on several key roles, including arson investigator, humane law enforcement officer, and narcotics officer. Emmons has a bachelor’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and completed a certificate in Addiction Counseling through the Michael Camillus Program. He has earned numerous accolades, including 26 Positive Performance Notices, the Chief’s Award, the Meritorious Service Award, two Exceptional Duty Awards, four Honorable Service Awards, and the Chief’s Recognition Award.

Officer Michael Steffen transferred laterally from the Patrol Division to Investigations Bureau to become a detective. Steffen, who earned his bachelor’s degree from Stockton University, started his law enforcement career in 2013 with the Manchester Township Police Department. In 2015, he was selected to join the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, and in 2017 became a Manchester firearms instructor. He is a certified instructor for specialized training programs, including Less-Lethal, Shoothouse, and Physical Fitness. His accolades include the Meritorious Service Award, Life Saving Award, Honorable Service Award, and Gallantry Star Award.

Three new patrol officers were sworn in: Liam Christensen, Michael Sceppaguercio, and Matthew Lee.

Christensen served with the NJ State Human Services Police Department, where he was hired in 2023. Before that he worked for the NJ Department of Corrections where he was hired in 2020. After attending the Department of Corrections Academy, Christensen attended the Waiver Course at Camden County College Police Academy in 2023. He is an active member of the United States Army and serves in the National Guard.

Sceppaguercio started his law enforcement career in 2018 as a dispatcher in Howell Township and previously worked for the Neptune City Police Department. He graduated in 2021 from the Monmouth County Police Academy. He also is certified as both an emergency services technician and firefighter.

Lee, a 2014 graduate of the Ocean County Police Academy, had worked in the Chesterfield Township Police Department since 2016. He started his law enforcement career as a Class II Officer with the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department. As a lifeguard at Brick Beach, Lee volunteered his time for Autism Surf Day and The Best Day Foundation.

Christensen, Sceppaguercio and Lee now will begin the Manchester Township Police Department’s Field Training and Evaluation Program.

"During this training, they will be instructed and mentored by several highly trained and seasoned officers. We wish them success in their law enforcement careers serving Manchester Township and its residents," officials said.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank our mayor, members of the Township Council, and Township Administration for their continued support of our police department and our mission to serve our residents to the highest possible level," Ellis said.