VILLAS — Township Council named Donald Vanaman Jr. chief of police, creating a domino effect that boosted the superior officer ranks.
The Lower Township Police Department now has three new officers in command positions, with Michael Majane assuming the position of deputy chief and John Armbruster that of captain.
Mayor Frank Sippel and Township Council swore in the officers in front of a large crowd of family, friends and the community during the reorganization meeting Jan. 5.
Deputy Mayor Kevin Coombs read Vanaman’s biography.
The new chief began his career in 1996 as a military police officer in the U.S. Army and continues to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve as a special agent with the Army Criminal Investigation Division.
“His military services include deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Korea, Ireland and Macedonia,” Coombs said. “He is the recipient of numerous military honors, including the Bronze Star and prestigious Audie Murphy Award.”
Vanaman joined the Lower Township Police Department in 2003 and has served in patrol, SWAT, sniper units, the detective division and in supervisory and command roles throughout the department.
“Chief Vanaman credits the support of his wife, Jessica, his children Liberty, Billy, Marshal, Kali, Avery and Jack, for their encouragement throughout his career,” Coombs said.
During the ceremony, Vanaman’s badge was pinned by his stepfather, Martin Biersbach, a retired detective with township police.
After Majane was sworn in as deputy chief, Vanaman said it was an honor to read his biography.
“A lot of people know we were detective partners,” Vanaman said. “Now I’m very excited about the team we have and being able to partner with Mike and a very dynamic leadership team, as well as patrol and detective division.”
Majane began his law enforcement career in 2000 as a class two officer in Wildwood. He joined the Lower Township Police Department in 2001.
“He has proudly served our community for more than two decades,” Vanaman said. “Deputy Chief Majane has distinguished himself as both a leader and an educator.”
Majane served on the Cape May County SWAT team for more than 10 years and worked in the detective division, where he received advanced training in narcotics investigations, crime scene investigations, interviews and interrogations and internal affairs.
“Deputy Chief Majane has also served as the department’s evidence custodian and supervising firearms instructor,” Vanaman said, adding Majane’s promotion to deputy chief reflects a career marked by professionalism, training excellence and steady advancement through the ranks.
Vanaman also read the biography of Armbruster, who joined the department as a full-time officer in August 2012.
“He was promoted to the rank of corporal in January 2018 and the rank of sergeant in June 2018, and in January 2021 he was provisionally promoted to the rank of lieutenant,” Vanaman said. “In 2023, he was officially promoted to the rank of lieutenant and continued to serve as the patrol commander until being transferred to the administrative lieutenant.”
Armbruster is a graduate of Lower Cape May Regional High School, holds an associate degree in criminal justice from Atlantic Cape Community College and a bachelor’s degree in health promotion from Coastal Carolina University.
“Captain Armbruster is a current instructor at the Cape May County Police Academy for defensive tactics, handcuffing, baton and formerly physical fitness,” Vanaman said.
Other business
Councilman Joseph Ware-ham was sworn in for his new term representing the Second Ward.
“I’d like to thank everybody for their vote of confidence and support this past election,” Wareham said. “Because one man, one woman, one person, couldn’t do it on their own. It takes a village, and I truly believe that’s what we have up here.”
Wareham added that the council will continue to work hard and is supported by a great staff.
“We wish Councilman Wareham lots of luck and a lot of good things for the year ahead for [him] and the council,” Sippel said. “We’re moving into 2026 and I want to thank all the folks we have on the agenda for professional services because they do a great job for us.”
Sippel’s State of the Township address is scheduled for 5 p.m. Feb. 2.
Council introduced a bond ordinance for supplemental funding for the construction of the Public Works building and related improvements, appropriating $1.5 million and the issuance of $1.425 million in bonds or notes to finance the cost. The second reading and public hearing is scheduled for Jan. 21.
By RACHEL SHUBIN/Special to the Star and Wave
