Officer

Longtime Veteran of Policing in New Jersey Dies While Exercising at Police Station

A veteran New Jersey police officer collapsed and died at the police station Friday morning.

Manchester Township Police remembered Patrolman Scott Thompson as a family man and dedicated officer who served New Jersey residents for nearly three decades.

“Scott was a kind, dedicated officer and family man,” said Manchester Township Police Chief Lisa Parker. “He loved his family and his fellow officers… We all loved Scott and he will be missed terribly.”

Thompson, who joined the township’s force in 1999 collapsed while exercising at police headquarters in the Ocean County town. He later died Community Medical Center, said police.

Thompson, who left behind a wife, Tracy, and daughters, Kelsey and Sydney, was just 47 years old.

He earned many accolades in his 15-plus years with the township’s police force including a 2014 Meritorious Service Award. Thompson was due to be promoted to the rank of corporal. That honor will now be bestowed upon Thompson posthumously.

He began his career in law enforcement as teenager, serving as a Special Officer in Seaside Park in 1986. He graduated from the county academy in 1987 and became a full-time patrolman or South Toms River in 1988. I later served as a member of the Lakehurst Police and Manchester/Lakehurst Emergency Response Team.

“Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers,” said Parker.

Funeral plans are pending.

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