Manchester, NJ|News|
Manchester Welcomes 3 Police Officers, Promotes 2 Officers
Three new officers were sworn in to the Manchester Township police force.

My email is karen.wall@patch.com and I welcome your questions, concerns and news tips. I do my best to answer all reader emails. I cover Brick, Toms River, Manchester, Point Pleasant, Point Pleasant Beach, and Lakewood and do my best to keep readers informed on what's happening in their towns. I have been with Patch full-time since July 2014 but have more than 35 years in journalism, including 20 years at the Asbury Park Press. I love sports and fishing (and yes, I bait my own hook); I was the editor of Hook, Line & Sinker for four years. I have lived at the Jersey Shore since August 1979, with the exception of my college years and an 18-month stint in Northern California. I'm a Brick Township High School graduate and have a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.
Three new officers were sworn in to the Manchester Township police force.

The Brick Township Hero Awards honor people who are making a difference in Brick in ways large and small.
The Loveland Town Bridge is undergoing maintenance, Point Pleasant police said.
A person and commercial truck were seen at two businesses after they were closed for the night. Police hope someone can help with the ID.
Authorities are trying to determine why the vehicle went off the road and hit a tree.
If you're just taking down your Christmas tree, see where you can recycle it in Howell Township.
Firefighters were able to contain the fire on the roof of Encompass Health Rehabilitation, authorities said.
Police said the 67-year-old woman was crossing in the area of Winteringham Village.
Drivers are urged to avoid the crash areas until further notice, police in both towns said.
The Manchester Township Council meeting dates for 2025 are primarily on Mondays. See the dates and where to find the meeting agendas.
"There does not appear, at this time, to be any foul play involved" in the death of Deane LaBranche, the prosecutor's office said.
Deane LaBranche's car was found abandoned at Shelter Cove; he was last seen alive on Jan. 3, his family says.
Train traffic was halted for a few hours after the crash, the reports said.
The fire company was providing mutual aid to Prince George's County firefighters at a house fire in Laurel, the reports said.
The catering van drove into an eating area at Stearns Wharf on Saturday, the reports said.
A Toyota hit a Ford F-250 that was stopped on Route 9 after hitting a concrete block on Saturday, police said.
Deane LaBranche last spoke to someone by phone on Christmas, his sister said. His car was found at Shelter Cove, she said.
Help the students of Manchester collect thousands of boxes of cereal to donate to local food pantries.
Quamel J. Benton tried to kidnap a teen in Lakewood, then grabbed a woman in the Target parking lot, and ran from police before his arrest.
Quamel J. Benton tried to kidnap a teen in Lakewood, then grabbed a woman in the Target parking lot, and ran from police before his arrest.