Manchester Promotes Officers, Celebrates Transfers

MANCHESTER, NJ — The Manchester Township Police Department celebrated promotions and transfers within the department at a swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday.

Sgt. Danny Barker was promoted to lieutenant and Detective Richard Jupinka was promoted to sergeant. SLEO II Rachel Morris was appointed to the position of patrol officer.

Sgt. Keith Craig transferred to detective sergeant, Patrolman Jonathan Meaney was transferred to detective; Detective Gavin Reilly was transferred to the investigations bureau and Patrolman Michael Sceppaguercio was transferred to detective.

Patrolman Stephen Hankins was designated Master Police Officer (Corporal).

The ceremony was attended by Mayor Joseph Hankins, members of the Township Council, police administration, friends, and family, in addition to Police Chief Antonio Ellis.

Here are the officers' biographies:

Barker is a Monmouth University graduate who joined the Manchester Police Department in 2005. Lt. Barker joined the Manchester/Lakehurst Special Response Team (SWAT) before merging with the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team in its initial establishment in 2006. In 2013, he was assigned as a detective, and in 2021 was promoted to sergeant. In 2024, he was assigned to the Narcotic Enforcement Team as a detective sergeant overseeing all narcotic-related investigations within the township and coordinating multi-jurisdictional investigations with surrounding agencies.

Jupinka earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Stockton University and joined the Manchester Township Police Department in 2002. In 2005, he began working part-time in the detective bureau and became a full-time detective in 2006. He spent the last 21 years in the detective bureau developing extensive experience in criminal investigations, performing various collateral duties, and mentoring newly assigned detectives. He has led and participated in numerous high-profile investigations, including several homicide investigations.

Morris attended Manchester Township High School, graduating in 2021. She then attended Lock Haven University, earning bachelor’s degrees in psychology and criminal justice and was named to the Dean's List. In 2025, Morris attended the Ocean County Police Academy and continued to work for the Seaside Heights Police Department as a SLEO II Officer. In March 2026, she was hired by the Manchester Township Police Department as a Special Law Enforcement Officer Class II. Since joining the department, she successfully completed the Field Training Officer Program and has become a valuable addition to the Patrol Bureau.

Craig has served with the Manchester Township Police Department since 2012, dedicating his career to public service, professional development, and strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the community. Sgt. Craig holds a master's degree in Criminal Justice from California Coast University and a bachelor's degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey. He is a graduate of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership Academy and the Development, Education, Leadership Training Academy (DELTA). Craig served in several specialized and leadership roles, including School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, serving as a certified Law Enforcement Against Drugs (LEAD) instructor and helping implement the #NotEvenOnce high school opiate awareness program.

Reilly began his career in May 2014 with the Seaside Heights Police Department as a SLEO I, and in November 2016, joined the Manchester Police Department as a SLEO II. He was hired full time in May 2017, and in 2020, was assigned as a detective with the Narcotics Enforcement Team. During his time with the NET, Detective Reilly set numerous department records, to include the largest heroin seizure. In November 2022, Reilly was assigned as a Task Force Officer with the New Jersey State Police Drug and Weapons Trafficking Central Unit. Among his many accolades are the Administrative Commendation Award, multiple Exceptional Duty Awards, and Drug Enforcement and Seizure Awards.

Meaney graduated from Manchester Township High School in 2016. He earned his bachelor's degree in Sports Management with a minor in Business in 2020. He continued his education at St. Thomas Aquinas College, earning his master’s degree in public administration in 2022. Meaney was hired by the Manchester Township Police Department in September 2020. He has served in the Patrol Bureau while also fulfilling additional responsibilities as a K-9 handler and member of the Honor Guard. Meaney has completed numerous specialized training courses related to narcotics investigations. He also completed the New Jersey Police K9 Association K9 Academy and has earned United States Police Canine Association regional and national certifications with his partner, K-9 Buck. K-9 Buck joined the Manchester Township Police Department in 2024 and began operational deployments in February 2025.

Sceppaguercio began his career as a Howell Township dispatcher in 2018 before becoming an officer with Neptune City Police in 2021. A Monmouth County Police Academy graduate, he is also certified as an EMT and firefighter. Upon joining the Manchester Township Police Department in 2025, Sceppaguercio quickly distinguished himself as a highly proactive officer, demonstrating strong initiative and natural aptitude for narcotics enforcement. He has received multiple positive performance notices recognizing his proactive policing, attention to detail, and professionalism during high-risk incidents.