MANCHESTER – A little more than one year since Detective Peter Manco’s tragic run-in with a drunk driver, the Manchester Township Police Department wished him goodbye and good luck on his official retirement from the force.
Det. Manco has finally retired due to injuries sustained when he was struck by a drunk driver while conducting a motor vehicle stop last year.
On August 9, 2018, Det. Manco, Sgt. Richard Mazza, Patrolman Christian Nazario and Patrolman Gavin Reilly were conducting a motor vehicle stop on Route 37 in Manchester when a drunk driver veered off the road and into Manco and the stopped vehicle.
Manco was later treated for injuries to his knees and legs. However, despite treatment and a year’s worth of rehabilitation, he was never able to return to full duty.
“Since then, Det. Manco valiantly attempted to return to full duty through physical therapy, but his injury proved to be too severe,” stated Manchester Police.
Det. Manco served Manchester Township since 2005, defined as a “dedicated and extremely hard-working officer” by his fellow officers. During his service, Manco was recognized with the Kimberley Smith Ames Award for DWI enforcement in 2009, 2011, and 2012, the New Jersey DWI Top Gun Award in 2010 and 2011, and the Exceptional Duty Award and Chief’s Recognition Award from the Manchester Township Police Department.
Following the 2018 incident, Manco became a shining example of why the Move Over Law is so important.
The Move Over Law was signed into law on January 27, 2009 in an effort to raise awareness and protect law enforcement and emergency personnel on the roadway. The law requires motor vehicle operators to reduce their speed and change lanes when approaching authorized vehicles displaying emergency lights.
The Manchester Police recently hosted a retirement ceremony for Manco, where he was presented with a proclamation for his service, a commemorative shadow box from Manchester PBA 246, and an inscribed plaque from the police department Command Staff.
“As a founding member of the Narcotics Enforcement Team, Det. Manco’s dedication, expertise and work ethic will be missed,” stated Chief Lisa Parker.
