Police Officers Promoted, Honored At Manchester Ceremony

MANCHESTER, NJ — The Manchester Township Police Department celebrated the promotion of an officer, the transfers of others and the hiring of a new officer.

Detective Michael Steffen was promoted to sergeant, and Anthony Irizarry was sworn in as a patrol officer, while Sgt. Joseph Fastige and Patrolman Nicholas Greenwood transferred to the detective bureau, where Fastige will be a detective sergeant.

The ceremony held April 15 included family, friends and other members of the police department along with Mayor Joseph Hankins and members of the Township Council.

Steffen, a graduate of Stockton University, Steffen started his career with the Mercer County Park Rangers before joining the Manchester Township Police Department in 2013. He excelled at the police academy, earning the High Overall Award. He has held diverse roles during his time in the patrol and investigation bureaus, including detective, SWAT operator, and specialized investigator for arson and animal cruelty cases. Beyond his operational duties, Steffen serves as a lead departmental instructor and committee member, and has earned more than 30 awards and commendations for meritorious service and lifesaving efforts.

Irizarry, a summa cum laude graduate with a degree in criminal justice from Ocean County College started his career as a special law enforcement officer in Point Pleasant Beach then became a full-time police officer in Galloway Township in 2022. He earned several honors, including two Life Saving Awards and the Rookie of the Year Award in Galloway. Irizarry holds a New Jersey State Seal of Biliteracy certification and will begin field training in Manchester shortly.

Fastige began his career in 2008 with the Seaside Heights Police Department before joining the Manchester Township Police in 2011. He has served in the Patrol Bureau, the Narcotics Enforcement, and the Investigations Bureau. He has managed high-level investigations, served as the department’s social media manager, and acted as an instructor for the NJSACOP Command and Leadership Program. Fastige holds a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and has earned more than 20 departmental awards along with three Chief’s Awards.

Greenwood joined the Manchester Township Police Department in 2013 as a special law enforcement officer and became a full-time officer in 2015. He has a bachelor's degree from East Stroudsburg University. Greenwood has served in the Patrol Bureau and Investigations Bureau and has served in specialized roles such as SWAT operator and firearms instructor. His extensive expertise in tactical training and departmental safety is reflected in more than 15 prestigious honors, including the Medal of Honor and the Silver Medal of Valor.

"I would like to thank Mayor Hankins, members of the Township Council, and Township Administration for their continued support of our police department’s mission to provide our residents with the highest possible level of service," Police Chief Antonio Ellis said. He said the hiring, promotion, and transfer of offices was necessary to ensure adequate staffing following recent retirements and promotions.

"I join with our community in wishing each officer success as they move into new roles of their law enforcement careers in service of Manchester Township and its residents," Ellis said.