By jane waterhouse
Staff Writer
Last Friday’s storm left a deadfall of broken branches and trees across the borough of Fair Haven, so it wasn’t a surprise to anyone in the close-knit neighborhood where Sea Bright Deputy Police Chief Thomas J. Manning lived that he was out there in the middle of things — moving brush, sawing down limbs, and chopping wood.
He was just that kind of guy.
But hours later neighbors were shocked to see a speeding convoy of EMS vehicles, police cars and ambulances come to a stop in front of the Mannings’ house.
"I don’t know what’s happening," said one worried resident, "but it can’t be good."
When the news came that Deputy Chief Manning had suffered a fatal heart attack at age 40 — only one week after losing his brother Terrence — people who knew him could scarcely believe it.
"Tommy was a one-of-a-kind individual, a problem-solver, with an innovative way of thinking and a dynamic way of doing things. He always made a contribution, and was extremely dedicated to a job well done," said Sea Bright Borough Council President Elizabeth Smith Monday.
"I worked with him for many years," she said, "and in all that time he consistently showed outstanding leadership qualities. He was a very big part of the heart and spirit of the Sea Bright Police Department."
Colleagues spoke warmly of Manning’s dedication and willingness to get things done.
"He was just a great person," one friend said. "I will miss his colorful personality and great sense of humor."
Growing up in Rumson, Manning attended Forrestdale Grammar School, where he was named the most valuable player in the annual Forrestdale/Holy Cross rivalry basketball game. He played varsity football and basketball at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School before graduating in 1981.
From there Manning went on to distinguish himself at the Monmouth County Police Academy, winning accolades as outstanding athlete of his graduating class.
He served on the Sea Bright Police Department for 19 years, and worked his way from special police officer to regular officer, then up the ranks to deputy chief.
Among the numerous commendations and special recognition earned over his career was a Monmouth and Ocean County valor award for his efforts in rescuing a woman from a burning building.
He was described as a loving husband, father, son, and brother, and a communicant and former altar server at Holy Cross Church — the site of Wednesday’s funeral service. "It’s a real tragedy," said Holy Cross pastor the Rev. Joseph Hughes.
Apart from the tragic circumstances of his death, those who knew Manning say they will remember him with a smile. "He had a remarkable knack for imitating voices," said Smith. "You’d talk to Tommy, and you’d think you were talking to five different people. I caught him imitating me once, and it really made me laugh."
She paused. "He touched a lot of lives. It doesn’t surprise me that he was out there chopping wood for his neighbors right before he died."