Ocean County Police Officers Recognized in Promotion Ceremony

The Manchester Township Police Department commemorated the employment of a new officer, the promotion of an existing officer, and the transfers of other officers.

Anthony Irizarry was sworn in as a patrol officer, Detective Michael Steffen was promoted to sergeant, and Sgt. Joseph Fastige and Patrolman Nicholas Greenwood moved to the detective bureau, where Fastige will become a detective sergeant.

Along with Mayor Joseph Hankins and members of the Township Council, family, friends, and other police officers attended the ceremony on April 15.

Following introductory remarks by Chief Antonio Ellis, Sgt. Steffen was the first to take his oath of office. A graduate of Stockton University, Sgt. Steffen began his career with the Mercer County Park Rangers before joining the Manchester Township Police Department in 2013, excelling in the academy by earning the High Overall Award.

Throughout his tenure in the Patrol Division and Investigations Bureau, he has held diverse roles including Detective, SWAT operator, and specialized investigator for arson and animal cruelty cases.

Beyond his operational duties, Sgt. Steffen serves as a lead departmental instructor and committee member, earning over 30 awards and commendations for meritorious service and lifesaving efforts.

Next, Ptl. Irizarry, a Summa Cum Laude Criminal Justice graduate from Ocean County College, took his oath. After beginning his law enforcement career as a Special Law Enforcement Officer in Point Pleasant Beach, he transitioned to a full-time role with the Galloway Township Police Department in 2022.

During his tenure, Ptl. Irizarry earned several honors, including two Life Saving Awards and the Rookie of the Year Award, before joining the Manchester Township Police Department.

Ptl. Irizarry, who holds a New Jersey State Seal of Biliteracy certification, will now begin an intensive Field Training and Evaluation Program, where he will be instructed and mentored by several highly trained officers.

Transferred laterally from the Patrol Division to the Investigations Bureau was Dsg. Fastige, who began his law enforcement career in 2008 with the Seaside Heights Police Department before joining the Manchester Township Police in 2011. Dsg. Fastige has served in the Patrol Bureau, the Narcotics Enforcement, and the Investigations Bureau.

Throughout his tenure, he has managed high-level investigations, served as the department’s Social Media Manager, and acted as an instructor for the NJSACOP Command and Leadership Program. A highly educated and decorated officer, Dsg. Fastige holds a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and has earned over 20 departmental awards alongside three Chief’s Awards.

The final lateral transfer from the Patrol Division to the Investigations Bureau was Det. Nicholas Greenwood, a decorated law enforcement professional who holds a bachelor's degree from East Stroudsburg University.

Since joining the Manchester Township Police Department as a Special Law Enforcement Officer in 2013, later becoming a full-time Officer in 2015, he has served in the Patrol Division and Investigations Bureau while holding specialized roles such as SWAT Operator and Firearms Instructor.

His extensive expertise in tactical training and departmental safety is reflected in over 15 prestigious honors, including the Medal of Honor and the Silver Medal of Valor.

Thank you all for your service and dedication to our community.