The Manchester Township Council last week approved the promotion of Police Lt. Antonio Ellis to become the new police chief, effective Wednesday, May 1. Ellis is succeeding Chief Robert Dolan, who is retiring after 31 years of dedicated service to the Manchester Township Police Department.
Chief Dolan, who began his career as a dispatcher in 1993 and rose through the ranks to become chief in 2021, was praised by Mayor Robert Arace for his leadership and service. Arace highlighted Dolan’s crucial role in navigating the township through a massive wildfire in 2023, just four months into his administration. “Having you to lean on in that moment took a huge burden off my shoulders,” Arace said.
Lt. Ellis, who has a master’s degree in administrative science from Fairleigh Dickinson University, joined the Manchester Township police force in 2000. He has served in various roles, including patrol officer, traffic safety specialist, and sergeant. Ellis was promoted to lieutenant in 2021 and currently oversees the Administrative and Support Services Division.
Ellis has also served as a special agent in the Ocean County Vehicular Homicide Support Team (FAST) and as a dedicated sniper in the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team. He is an expert in crash investigations and reconstructions and has continued to serve in that role.
“I look forward to the opportunity to serve,” Ellis said, thanking Chief Dolan for his support and tutelage. Ellis will become the township’s eighth police chief and will also assume the role of public safety director, currently held by Chief Dolan.
