MANCHESTER – Nearly 80 applicants came out to test their mettle for becoming a police officer in Manchester Township.
New Police Chief Robert Dolan recently reported to the Township mayor and council regarding the rather extensive physical exam.
This marked the new chief’s first report to the governing body since his appointment. Dolan, who took his oath of office on July 1, replaced Lisa Parker who retired at the end of June. He said the police department administered the Physical Agility Examination at the Manchester Township High School. It is the first phase of testing for the position of Police Officer and Class II Special Officer.
Dolan said, “we had 79 applicants on very short notice and we had only four no shows compared to the last time where we had 169 applicants and 98 no shows. Most everyone is moving forward to the next phase.”
The Physical Agility Examination consisted of a variety of exercises including pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, one mile run and a one-minute boxing match against another applicant. The test was administered by members of the Township Police Department, who ensured the integrity of each exercise, Dolan explained.
Auxiliary Police Officers provided assistance in administering the parking plan, and Manchester Township Emergency Medical Technicians were on-hand to monitor the health and safety of the participating applicants.
During the boxing matches, Chief Master Paul Prendergast, owner and lead instructor of Paul Prendergast Karate Schools, volunteered to officiate. Assisting Chief Master Prendergast was Master Andrew Andreadis.
“This physical test is the first of many steps in the process of becoming a member of the Manchester Township Police Department, one of best law enforcement agencies in the State of New Jersey. I expect each and every one of you to put forth your very best effort,” Dolan told the candidates.
Chief Dolan thanked the Manchester Township School District for accommodating this important test on a weekend, and for the invaluable assistance of their staff in ensuring that any day-of needs of the police department were met.
Those applicants who successfully completed all phases of the physical agility examination will advance to the next phase of testing, the written examination. From there, those with the best combined physical/written score will advance to the oral review board.
Chief Dolan said that “we have a spot opening up with a retirement on July 23 and there will be spots opening up next year. We did get some last-minute applicants after background checking.”
Council President Craig Wallis asked if “the test given the same as it was in previous years?”
The chief responded, “yes it was.”
“It is a very strenuous test and it really separates some people,” Wallis said.
