Manchester During a recent event at the Municipal Complex Civic Center, members of the township police department came out to be recognized, promoted, and introduced.
During the ceremony, Chief Antonio Ellis welcomed the public, the officers’ family, and friends. He announced that Patrolman Jason Wiener and Detective Patrick Cervenak had been promoted to sergeant, Patrolman Robert Maccaquano had been designated Corporal, and Patrolman Thomas Chant had been lateral transferred to Detective.Councilwoman Sandy Drake, Vice Council President James Vaccaro, and Mayor Joseph Hankins were also present.
Chief Ellis stated, “Today, we welcome a new detective to our Investigations Bureau, honor a seasoned veteran patrolman as corporal for his years of honorable service, and elevate two accomplished veteran officers as they take on leadership roles as sergeants.” Because of their unwavering dedication to serving the Manchester Township community, these people have earned their positions and accolades.
Sgt. Cervenak, who began his law enforcement career with the Manchester Township Police Department in 2007, took the oath of office first. Through May 2023, he was a member of the Patrol Division.
After being selected to work as a detective for the Investigations Bureau, Cervenak graduated from California Coast University with a master’s degree in criminal justice in 2020.
The Chief’s Award, the Valor Award, the Meritorious Service Awards, the Exceptional Duty Awards, citizen commendations, and positive performance notes were among the more than 20 honors and commendations he received during his service.
Sgt. Wiener, who joined the department in 2011 and was assigned to the Patrol Division until his promotion, was the next to take the oath.
He won numerous unit citations, the Kimberly Smith Ames DWI and MADD awards, the Administrative Commendation Award, the Chief’s Recognition Award, the Lifesaving Awards, and two Honorable Service Awards during his tenure. In 2020, Wiener graduated from California Coast University with a master’s degree in criminal justice.
Patrolman Maccaquano, who joined the Manchester Township Police Department in 2005 and was placed in the Patrol Division, was given the distinguished corporal title.
His specialized tasks included teaching firearms, serving as an in-service departmental instructor in the areas of use of force, active killer response, critical incidents, and range safety, in addition to his roles as a detective and patrol officer. A Life Saving Award, two Meritorious Service Awards, two Honorable Service Awards, Unit Citations, an Education Award, and a Pistol Distinguished Expert Award were all given to Cpl. Maccaquano during his career.
Detective Chant was employed by the Manchester Township Police Department in 2013 and then transferred laterally from the Patrol Division to the Investigations Bureau. Chant had previously been given a caseload in addition to his patrol duties in 2021 while working part-time at the Investigations Bureau.
Chant has worked as a Field Training Officer, a member of the department’s Accreditation team, and a Firearms Background Investigator.
Chief Ellis said, I want to use this time to express my gratitude to the Township Administration, Township Council members, and Mayor Hankins for their ongoing support of our police department and our goal of providing the best possible service to our people. Ellis continued, “We wish each officer the best of luck as they pursue their careers in law enforcement, serving Manchester Township and its citizens.”
