Manchester Police Announce Promotions And New Hire

The Manchester Township Police Department announced several promotions, new assignments, and a new hire on November 4th, following recent retirements and promotions.

The ceremony was attended by Mayor Joseph Hankins, members of the Township Council, police administration, friends, and family.

Among the promotions, Sgt. Danny Barker was promoted to Lieutenant, and Detective Richard Jupinka was promoted to Sergeant. SLEO II Rachel Morris was appointed to a full-time Patrolman position.

Several officers also received new assignments. Sgt. Keith Craig was transferred to Detective Sergeant, Ptl. Jonathan Meaney was assigned as a Detective, Detective Gavin Reilly was transferred to the Investigations Bureau, and Ptl. Michael Sceppaguercio was assigned as a Detective. Additionally, Ptl. Stephen Hankins was designated Master Police Officer (Corporal).

Lt. Barker joined the department in 2005 and has served in several roles, including the Manchester/Lakehurst Special Response Team, the Detective Bureau, and the Narcotics Enforcement Team. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2021 before receiving his latest promotion.

Sgt. Jupinka joined the department in 2002 and has spent more than two decades in the Detective Bureau, working on numerous high-profile investigations, including several homicide cases.

Ptl. Morris, a Manchester Township High School graduate, joined the department as a SLEO II in March 2026 after previously serving with the Seaside Heights Police Department. She recently completed the department’s Field Training Officer Program.

Sgt. Craig joined the department in 2012 and has served in several specialized roles, including School Resource Officer and Field Training Officer, while also helping implement the #NotEvenOnce high school opiate awareness program.

Detective Reilly joined the department in 2016 as a SLEO II before becoming a full-time officer in 2017. He later served with the Narcotics Enforcement Team and as a Task Force Officer with the New Jersey State Police Drug and Weapons Trafficking Central Unit.

Detective Meaney joined the department in 2020 and has served in the Patrol Bureau, as a K-9 handler, and as a member of the Honor Guard. He works alongside K-9 Buck, who joined the department in 2024.

Detective Sceppaguercio joined the Manchester Police Department in 2025 after previously serving with the Neptune City Police Department. He is also certified as an EMT and firefighter.

Cpl. Hankins began his law enforcement career in 2002 and has received numerous honors throughout his service, including three Lifesaving Awards, two Meritorious Service Awards, and two 200 Club of Ocean County Valor Awards. He also has nearly three decades of volunteer fire service.

Chief Antonio Ellis congratulated the officers and thanked Mayor Hankins, the Township Council, and township administration for their continued support.