Veteran Manchester Police Officer Collapses During Workout, Dies Friday Morning

by Patricia A. Miller

The Manchester Township police department is mourning the sudden loss of Officer Scott R. Thompson, who was exercising when he collapsed at the police headquarters gym Friday morning, Police Chief Lisa Parker said.

“Scott was a kind, dedicated officer and family man,” Parker said. “He loved his family and his fellow officers. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. We all loved Scott and he will be missed terribly.”

Thompson was taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he was pronounced dead. He is survived by his wife Tracy and daughters Kelsey and Sydney.

Thompson was most recently was honored with a 2014 Meritorious Service Award for peacefully resolving a potentially volatile situation with an individual suffering from a mental illness. He was slated to be promoted to the rank of corporal before he died, the chief said.

“He will receive that honor posthumously during a ceremony to be announced at a later date,” Parker said.

Thompson came highly recommended when he was hired by the Manchester Township Police Department in February 1999. He began his law enforcement career in 1986 as a special officer in Seaside Park, when he was 18. He graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy in 1987, and became a full-time patrolman in South Toms River in 1988. He was then hired by the Lakehurst Police Department, where he also was a member of the Manchester/Lakehurst Emergency Response Team, the chief said.

Thompson received many commendations and letters of appreciation from those he helped throughout his career. One motorcycle crash victim sent the following letter to the police department thanking Thompson for his help.

“I could not have been in better hands than those of Officer Thompson,” the victim wrote. “He was caring, professional, and represented your department in a manner which you should be proud.”

Information regarding funeral services will be announced as it becomes available.