MANCHESTER – The Township Police Department recently announced the promotion of Detective Adam Emmons to sergeant, the lateral transfer of Patrolman Michael Steffen to detective, and the hiring of three patrolmen, Liam Christensen, Michael Sceppaguercio, and Matthew Lee.
The officers took their oath of office during a recent ceremony held in the Municipal Complex Civic Center where Chief Antonio Ellis discussed their career and past experiences.
He noted at the occasion that, “we recognize the accomplishments of two veteran officers as they assume new roles within our department, and we welcome three outstanding recruits to our ranks.”
“Our residents should be proud knowing that all our officers serve Manchester Township with honor and integrity. These individuals have demonstrated their commitment to service and community,” the chief added.
Taking his oath first was Sgt. Emmons, who began his law enforcement career in 2002 with the Seaside Heights Police Department. Sgt. Emmons holds a bachelor’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and completed a certificate in Addiction Counseling through the Michael Camillus Program.
In 2012, Emmons transitioned to the Investigations Bureau, where he took on several key roles, including Arson Investigator, Humane Law Enforcement Officer, and Narcotics Officer.
He earned numerous accolades throughout his career, including 26 Positive Performance Notices, the Chief’s Award, the Meritorious Service Award, two Exceptional Duty Awards, four Honorable Service Awards, and the Chief’s Recognition Award.
Transferred laterally from the Patrol Division to Investigations Bureau was Detective Steffen, who earned his bachelor’s degree from Stockton University and began his law enforcement career in 2013 with the Manchester Township Police Department.
In 2015, Detective Steffen was selected to join the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, and in 2017 became a Manchester Firearms Instructor. He is a certified instructor for specialized training programs, including Less-Lethal, Shoothouse, and Physical Fitness. His accolades include the Meritorious Service Award, Life Saving Award, Honorable Service Award, and Gallantry Star Award.
The three patrolmen were then sworn in, beginning with Patrolman Christensen, who previously served as an officer with the NJ State Human Services Police Department where he was hired in 2023. Prior to that, he worked for the New Jersey Department of Corrections since 2020. After attending the Department of Corrections Academy, Christensen attended the Waiver Course at Camden County College Police Academy in 2023. He is an active member of the United States Army and serves in the National Guard.
Patrolman Sceppaguercio, who previously worked for the Neptune City Police Department, took his oath. Having begun his law enforcement career in 2018 in Howell Township Communications, Sceppaguercio is a 2021 graduate of the Monmouth County Police Academy and certified as both an Emergency Services Technician and Firefighter.
To conclude the ceremony, Patrolman Lee, who previously served as an officer with the Chesterfield Township Police Department since 2016, took his oath. A 2014 graduate of the Ocean County Police Academy, Lee started his law enforcement career as a Class II Officer with the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department. As a lifeguard at Brick Beach, Lee volunteered his time for Autism Surf Day and The Best Day Foundation.
Chief Ellis said, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our mayor, members of the Township Council, and Township Administration for their continued support of our police department and our mission to serve our residents to the highest possible level.”
The patrolmen will now begin the Township Police Department’s intensive Field Training and Evaluation Program. During this training, they will be instructed and mentored by several highly trained and seasoned officers.
“We wish them success in their law enforcement careers serving Manchester Township and its residents,” the chief added.
