MANCHESTER – A new police officer was sworn in to duty during the latest Township Council meeting. Officer Buck put paw to Bible and gave a lick to his boss during the pooch’s oath.
Residents smiled and applauded from the audience as K9 Unit Officer Buck stood beside his human partner and Police Chief Antonio Ellis as his oath of office was administered by Township Clerk Teri Giercyk.
Chief Ellis first showed off a large photograph of former township police officer (now Councilwoman) Sandy Drake with her former K9 partner as a surprise to Drake.
K9 Buck was 7 months old when he began his specialized training in scent detection (narcotics). The red American labrador was also trained in tracking with the New Jersey Police K-9 Association in Tinton Falls. Buck was purchased from Garden State K9 in Succasunna, New Jersey, thanks to grant funding and the support of the Manchester Police Foundation.
The new K9 Officer graduated on January 20 and he got a treat following his swearing in. The mayor and council thanked the chief for bringing the ceremony to the council so that residents could observe the new addition to the department.
Chief Ellis said K9 Buck was already in service and has been “on the road assisting narcotics detectives.”
The chief added that Buck and his partner/handler Officer Jon Meaney who has been serving in the department since 2020, will be making the rounds visiting groups at senior communities and schools in the township to bring awareness of the K9 Unit and to introduce Buck to the community.
Chief Ellis noted that those wishing “to support our K-9 Unit and future initiatives, donations can be made through the Manchester Township Police Foundation” at: manchesterpolicenj.com/administration-professional-standards/manchester-township-police-foundation.
Vietnam Vets Recognized
During the night’s meeting members of the township’s Veterans Advisory Committee came forward to accept a proclamation honoring Vietnam veterans from Mayor Joseph Hankins who read the proclamation.
“The extraordinary sacrifices made by these veterans who were often denied a proper welcome home for their return and many faced hardship and challenges that were often overlooked and unacknowledged,” the mayor said.
The mayor noted that the Vietnam War Veteran Recognition Act was signed into law in 2017 designated March 29 of each year as the national Vietnam War Veterans Day. Following the presentation one of the veterans walking back from the dais to their seat commented, “we may have left Vietnam but Vietnam never left us.”
Ordinances Passed And Introduced
Ordinances approved on second reading included Ordinance #25-11 authorizing the sale of 1716 First Avenue to Ron and Robin Ferguson for $21,050.
Ordinance #25-12 amended Bond Ordinance #24-19 adopted on May 28, 2024 providing the acquisition of communications center upgrades and related expenses for the township police department. It increases the appropriation by $750,000 for a total appropriation of $5,350,000 for a total debt authorization of $5,082,500. Also passed was Ordinance #25-13 provides for the acquisition of various items of telecommunications equipment for the township police department in the amount of $7,500,000 and authorizing the issuance of $7,125,000 bonds and notes finance a portion of the costs.
The council introduced Ordinance #25-14 entitled “Towing,” Ordinance #25-15 entitled “Rent Leveling Board” specifically to add the definition of a landlord and Ordinance #25-16 that will allow the township to exceed the municipal budget cost of living allowance and to establish a CAP bank.
Disrespectful Kids
During the public comment period resident Karen Perry brought up incidents of young people being unruly and using inappropriate language at a township playground.
“There has been a lot of chatter on Facebook about the parks in Pineland Park and at the lake with kids being very disrespectful to adults and young children. I am wondering what can be done. It is supposed to be for little kids and for enjoyment. Can somebody go out and talk to them? This is a constant complaint. What can we do to change this?” Perry asked.
Chief Ellis responded, “we are hiring Class I officers for the summer who are similar to those who are in shore towns and can be park security and will be at the lake, at parades and all the parks in the township. They will work up to 30 hours a week and their job will be omni presence. They will be in those neighborhoods and in those parks.”
