Manalapan Police Promote Officers During Annual Awards Night

The Manalapan Police Department has a new deputy police chief, as well as a new captain and several lieutenants and sergeants.

Last year, some of its officers saved lives, excelled in their positions and earned advanced degrees.

Last week, the police department recognized those officers when the force held its annual awards night. Promotions were also made during that Feb. 25 ceremony.

According to a news release from police:

Michael Fountain, a Jackson resident, was promoted from captain to deputy chief. He holds a master’s degree from Seton Hall University and is a graduate from the FBI National Academy class #258. He will continue in his role as the Operations Division commander, and will also assist the chief with the day to day operations of the department.

Thomas Barstow, who lives in Manchester, was promoted from lieutenant to captain. He has been on the force for 27 years and holds a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He will become the commander of the Administrative Division.

Three officers were promoted to lieutenant and will become watch commanders. They are:

• Edward Niesz, who has 20 years on the force and lives in Red Bank; he holds a bachelor’s degree from Kean University and is currently studying for a master’s degree.
• Kevin Dobbin, who lives in Howell and has been on the force for 19 years; 
he holds a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
• Thomas Mantle, a 17-year veteran who lives in Brick; he holds a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Three officers were promoted to sergeant and will handle patrol sergeant duties:

• Richard Gallo, who has been on the force for 14 years and lives in Point Pleasant; he hold a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
• Peter Chalfin, an 18-year veteran, who lives in Freehold; he holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts.
• Robert Kelly, who lives in Freehold and has been on the force for 17 years; he holds a bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton.

Two Special Class II Officers will become patrolmen: Jared Coupland and Matthew Porricelli, both of Brick. Coupland holds a master’s degree from University of Phoenix online, while Porricelli has a bachelor’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Both are expected to complete training at the Monmouth County Police Academy in May, and both will be assigned to patrol.

Police officers were also recognized for their work during that ceremony.

Life saving awards were given to Patrolmen Robert Kelly, Jeffrey Emslie and Ross Dessel, James Morgan Joiner, Matthew Mattia, Matthew Meyler, Kevin Ruditsky, Brian Cruse, Joseph DeFilippis and William Dutton.

Awards for outstanding narcotic enforcement activities were given to Patrolmen Bryan Belardo and Philip Accatatta.

An exceptional duty award, for outstanding effort and enforcement in all criminal and motor vehicle enforcement, was given to Patrolman Seth Kreizman.

Civilian service awards were given to John Hirsch and Christine Hirsch.

Officers also received educational accomplishment awards:

• For earning a master’s degree in 2014: Capt. Thomas Barstow, Sergeants Thomas Mantle, Leonard Maltese and Richard Gallo
• For earning a bachelor’s degree in 2014: Detectives Charles Alaimo and Jared Aronson, and Patrolman Kenneth Mikulik

Officers were also recognized for their years of service to the department:

• 20 Years of Service: Deputy Chief Michael Fountain
• 15 Years of Service: Patrolmen Reginald Grant, Charles Mazzatto and Kevin Ruditsky
• 10 Years of Service: Sgt. Daniel Carey, Patrolmen William Dutton, Anthony Cascella and James Morgan Joiner
• Five Years of Service: Patrolman Brian Schank