By Karen Wall, Patch Staff
Published Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 5:32 am ET

             MANCHESTER, NJ — Manchester Township has 10 new police vehicles thanks to a federal grant.

             The new vehicles — nine Chevy Tahoes and the van — were unveiled Tuesday at police headquarters at the Manchester Township municipal complex.

             The vehicles were purchased with a $1,148,000 federal Byrne Discretionary Grant secured in 2024 by Rep. Chris Smith, whose 4th Congressional District includes Manchester.

             The Byrne Discretionary Grant is through the U.S. Department of Justice, and was for fleet augmentation, officials said.

Manchester Township purchased nine Chevy Tahoes and a new animal control van with federal grant funds. (Manchester Township)

             Manchester police said the need for new vehicles was identified by then-Chief Robert Dolan several years ago.

             "Many vehicles in the department's aging fleet were beyond operational limits and temporary fixes could no longer alleviate these issues," the department said.

             Dolan reached out to Smith for assistance.

             "Our department — serving over 45,000 residents across 85 square miles — was facing increasing demands with limited resources," Manchester Police Chief Antonio Ellis said. "That’s when we put forward a comprehensive plan — focused on restoring reliability, safety, and sustainability, and that plan led to the real results we see before us today."

             Smith praised township officials for their efforts to advocate for the funding.

             "Today is an amazing example of what good local governance can lead to. Their remarkable advocacy has reaped tangible benefits for the people of Manchester Township — the nine brand-new Chevy Tahoe SUVs and animal control van that stand before us will actively make Manchester safer and better equipped to fulfill the needs of its residents," Smith said.

             In addition to Smith, Ellis, Ocean County Commissioners Robert Arace and Jennifer Bacchione, Manchester Mayor Joseph Hankins, Manchester Township Council President Michele Zolezi, Vice President Council James Vaccaro, and council members Sandy Gravatt-Drake and Craig Wallis were in attendance.

             "Today is about more than new vehicles. It’s about commitment, partnership, and delivering for the residents of Manchester Township," Ellis said. "At the end of the day, this is about people. It’s about our officers having the equipment they need to respond safely and ensuring they return home safely to their families."

Councilman Craig Wallis, Mayor Joseph Hankins, Council President Michele Zolezi, Rep. Chris Smith, Police Chief Antonio Ellis, Ocean County Commissioners Rob Arace and Jennifer Bacchione, Councilwoman Sandy Gravatt-Drake, Council Vice President James Vaccaro. (Manchester Township)