NJ Cops Aug18 | Page 27

Manchester Local stands up for family On June 22, members of the Man- chester Township Local 246 were proud to stand in place of their fallen brother, Scott Thompson, at his daughter Syd- ney’s high school graduation. Although no one can ever take the place of her fa- ther, members felt honored to make this symbolic effort, led by Chief Lisa Parker, to watch Sydney graduate from Toms River High School South and share in her special day. Members of Local 246 are committed to being there for the Thompson family during milestone events and make it a priority to let them know that they re- main a part of the Manchester Township Police Department blue family. When Thompson’s older daughter, Kelsey, graduated from Castleton Univer- sity in 2017, a contingent of officers from Thompson’s shift also made the journey to Vermont to celebrate her achievement. They knew that Thompson was sure- ly smiling down on his oldest daughter while she received her college diploma and hoped that their presence made the ceremony all the more memorable for Kelsey. Manchester Township Local 246 members stand with Sydney Thompson, the daughter of fallen officer Scott Thompson, at her graduation from Toms River High School South. Shown here, from left, Michael Terranova, Sal Ventre, Chief Lisa Parker, Sydney Thompson, Anthony Iliadis and Rich Conklin. Members from Manchester Township Local 246 traveled to Vermont to attend the graduation of Kelsey Thomson, the oldest daughter of fallen of- ficer Scott Thompson, from Castleton University in 2017. From left, Tom O’Hare, Sal Ventre, Kelsey Thompson, Charles Brooks and Pat Morgan. Thompson was lost in the line of duty on April 10, 2015. During his 29-year ca- reer, he always displayed a strong pride for his family, including daughters and wife, Tracy. Local 246 members knew it was their duty to carry on their brother’s legacy by supporting Thompson’s daugh- ters through milestones that he would surely not miss. Local 246 takes every opportunity to honor Thompson and fallen officer Rob- ert Tobias at local memorial ceremonies and in Washington D.C. every year. Mem- bers share the ultimate sacrifice that these officers made for the community with all new recruits who join the ranks, so that they too can honor them by taking care of their loved ones and making sure that officers like Thompson are never for- gotten. d www.njcopsmagazine.com ■ AUGUST 2018 27