Manchester Patrolman Nominated for Marles Memorial Award

A Manchester police officer committed to clearing the roads of impaired drivers might be the next one to honor the memory of an Ocean Gate officer believed to have lost his life to one.

Patrolman Joseph Reilly represents his department Saturday night at First Energy Park in Lakewood, where the fourth annual Fallen Officer Jason Marles DWI Award will be given during the Blueclaws' Law Enforcement Night.

Marles was run down by a driver alleged to be under the influence of alcohol on the Garden State Parkway early Thanksgiving morning 2010 - ironically, after completing a drunk-driving patrol.

According to Manchester Police Chief Brian Klimakowski, Reilly completed 10 DWI arrests and 23 collars for controlled dangerous substances in 2013. The total, plus similar accomplishments in 2012, were enough to win him the Manchester Township Police Chief's Award for job performance this past February.

The ex-Marine is also a recipient of the Ocean County 200 Club's George Haines Award, for highest overall average in his Ocean County Police Academy class.

The Ocean County Police Traffic Safety Officers Association and other sponsors are sending a monetary donation to a charity of the Marles family's choice.