Community Corner
For Manchester Sergeant, The ‘Everyday Interactions Really Matter'
Sgt. Joseph Fastige shares his experiences with Manchester Police and his appreciation for our diverse yet connected community.
First responders are a vital part of our communities, keeping us safe and playing an integral role in daily life. Patch and T-Mobile have partnered on a Ride-Along series to showcase the important work these departments and individuals do every day.
We had the opportunity to speak with Sergeant Joseph Fastige of the Manchester Police Department to learn more about the department, life as a police officer and the impact of their work.
Can you tell us about the Manchester Police Department?
Sgt. Fastige: The Manchester Township Police Department serves a large and diverse community in Ocean County, New Jersey. The township covers over 80 square miles, including residential neighborhoods, retirement communities and busy roadways. Our department handles everything from routine patrols to serious investigations and specialized units, like K-9 and traffic safety.
We're a forward-thinking agency, committed to community engagement, thorough investigations and public safety. In recent years, we've expanded our presence on social media and launched community outreach programs like “Live! With the Manchester Township Police Department” to keep our residents informed and connected.
What does a typical day look like in the Manchester Police Department?
Sgt. Fastige: For our Patrol Division, a typical day can involve just about anything — responding to calls for service like mental health crises and domestic violence incidents, conducting traffic enforcement, engaging with the community or assisting with special events. You name it; we’re usually the first ones on scene to handle it. Teamwork and communication are key, and we place a strong emphasis on making sure every interaction with the public is professional, respectful and effective.
What inspired you to get involved in law enforcement?
Sgt. Fastige: Honestly, and not to sound like a character from Blue Bloods, law enforcement runs in my family. My father worked for the Beach Haven Police Department and my older brother is a Sergeant here at the Manchester Township Police Department. Growing up and seeing how much they loved their work had a big influence on me. I started young, working for the Seaside Heights Police Department to get a feel for the job, and I was hooked from day one. I’ve been waiting for that moment when I wake up and don’t want to go to work, but it hasn’t happened yet.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Manchester community?
Sgt. Fastige: What I enjoy most is how connected the community feels. Manchester is a diverse town with people from all walks of life, and there’s a real sense of pride and support here. Whether we’re checking in with local businesses, attending community events or just talking with residents during a patrol, those everyday interactions really matter.
I also help manage our department’s social media accounts, which gives me another way to stay connected. It’s important to me that people feel heard, so I do my best to respond to messages, questions and comments whenever I can. It’s just one more way I get to be a part of the community and it’s something I take a lot of pride in.
Can you share a memorable experience from your time with the department?
Sgt. Fastige: I’ve had a very fulfilling career filled with memorable moments, but one that stands out is when I helped deliver a baby in 2014. I was still pretty young at the time and didn’t have children of my own, so it was an incredible experience, both surreal and rewarding. That child’s birthday is coming up this April, so happy birthday, Jay!
Besides the calls, what really makes this job memorable are the people I work with. The officers here are not only great at what they do, but they’re also great people and some of my closest friends. They make even the busiest days and long nights go by quickly.
What advice would you offer to someone considering becoming a first responder?
Sgt. Fastige: Go for it. Now more than ever, the world needs dedicated first responders, especially police officers. Focus on continuous growth: train hard, study case law and state directives and never stop looking for ways to improve yourself. While physical fitness is important, I’ve found that the most effective officers are the ones with strong character and a deep understanding of the job.
Lastly, I always come back to a line from Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement by Dr. Kevin Gilmartin, where he says the only things you truly control in this profession are your integrity, your professionalism and how well you do the job assigned.
More About the Manchester Police Department
The Manchester Police Department offers a range of public health and safety services for the community, including:
- The “Safe Exchange Zone” at the Municipal Complex, a monitored area where residents can safely complete child custodial exchanges and online purchase transactions.
- Project Medicine Drop, designed to prevent the misuse of prescription drugs. Community members can anonymously drop off unused or expired medications at police headquarters, 24 hours a day.
- Operation Watchdog, a partnership with the community in which residents and businesses register their video surveillance devices to reduce crime and increase public safety.
For more information, visit the Manchester Police Department website.
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