Retiring Officer Honored For 26 Years Of Service

MANCHESTER – On January 11, friends, family, and officers of every rank from the Manchester Township Police Department gathered to honor and celebrate Sgt. Bryan Vidovich and his law enforcement career spanning nearly 26 years.

During his retirement celebration, Mayor Robert Arace presented Sgt. Vidovich a proclamation in recognition of his many years of dedicated service to the residents of Manchester Township. President of Manchester Township PBA #246, Officer Anthony Iliadis, presented Sgt. Vidovich with a retirement shadowbox highlighting the various units he served in, as well as the many awards he received throughout his extensive and decorated career. Sgt. Vidovich was also presented his retirement police badge by Chief Robert Dolan. Sgt. Vidovich served as a patrolman from January 1997 to October 2011, at which time he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. During the course of his career he received numerous letters of praise from residents for outstanding police work and positive performance notices for exceptional performance. Sgt. Vidovich served as supervisor of the Police Honor Guard, a Field Training Officer responsible for the training of new officers, a department fi rearms instructor, and an instructor in the subject of Motor Vehicle Pursuits, among many others.

A recipient of numerous accolades and honors, Sgt. Vidovich received the Chief’s Award in 2005, 2007 and 2011, the Meritorious Service Award in 2007, the Exceptional Service Award in 2008 and 2011, the 200 Club Governor Valor Award in 2010 for rescuing a resident during a working house fi re, and the 911 Award for responding to New York City after the World Trade Center Attacks.

“Sgt. Vidovich brought a steady hand and level head to his work, thanks to his many years of experience and extensive institutional knowledge,” said Chief Dolan. “That type of experience is not easily replaced and will be missed. We all wish Bryan a happy and healthy retirement as he begins his next chapter.”

Lakehurst Borough Historical Society Chili Cookoff

LAKEHURST – The Lakehurst Borough Historical Society is holding the annual Soup~R~Bowl of Chili Challenge on January 28 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Lakehurst Community Center across from the museum in Old St. John’s Church on Center Street. Area clubs and organizations make soups and chili and compete for the trophies of People’s Choice. Some of the groups joining the challenge and defending their title this year are, the First Aid, Police, Fleet Reserve, Arista Care Cooking Club, and our own Historical Society. If your club or organization would like to join in, please notify Kathy by January 23.

The donation is $5 a ticket, children under 3 years admitted free. A gift basket auction and 50/50 add to the festivities.

All proceeds benefit the Lakehurst Borough Historical Society Museum. Tickets are available at the museum, Colonial Bouquet flower shop on Union Ave., and at the door. The doors open at 3 p.m. Come out and spend a cold afternoon with friends and great warm food! For more information call Kathy at 908-839-7388.