New Jersey officer dies while exercising in department gym

MANCHESTER -- A New Jersey police officer has collapsed and died while exercising in the gym at his department's headquarters.

The Manchester Township Police department said that Officer Scott Thompson died Friday morning.

The 47-year-old who was slated for a promotion to the rank of corporal joined the force in February 1999. The department says he was honored with a meritorious service award last year for peacefully resolving an incident with a mentally ill patient.

He began his law enforcement career as a special officer in Seaside Park in 1986 and then graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy in 1987. He later worked in the South Toms River and Lakehurst police departments.

He leaves behind a wife, Tracy, and daughters Kelsey and Sydney.

It wasn't immediately known what caused his death.