The newest honorary police officer, firefighter, and emergency medical technician, MANCHESTER Dawson Palmarini, 23, was just sworn in.
Police Chief Antonio Ellis, Director of Emergency Services Robert Baran, and the governing body greeted Dawson and his father Vincent during a recent Township Council meeting. The public also witnessed Dawson take the oath of office, which was administered by Municipal Clerk Teri Giercyk.
At the age of 17, Dawson’s inspirational tale of tenacity began on July 20, 2019. He was thrown around thirty feet after being engaged in a catastrophic motorbike accident in Toms River.
After being discovered to be unconscious, a group of law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel performed resuscitation on him. He was then transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune via medical helicopter.
Dawson was put in a coma after suffering three serious brain injuries. He was moved to Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick for rehabilitation after spending three months in the intensive care unit/trauma unit at Jersey Shore Medical Center.
Dawson had to relearn fundamental abilities including walking, talking, and feeding himself after being released. Dawson spent years in intense outpatient physical therapy because he had a long road ahead of him.
When Dawson was only three days old, Vincent Palmarini and his spouse took him into foster care. Due to his mother’s substance misuse, Dawson experienced birth problems. Dawson was given the best life possible by Vincent and his spouse. According to a Washington Township Police Department report, Palmarini is a single parent because his wife tragically passed away from cancer nine years ago.
Chief Ellis said it was an honor for the entire Manchester Township to assist Dawson in achieving his objectives. In recognition of his achievement, Dawson received patches, challenge coins, and personalized shirts from Chief Ellis and Director Baran.
Dawson was also praised by members of the governing board on his new position as the township’s honorary police officer, firefighter, and emergency medical technician.
Dawson was named honorary police chief by the Secaucus Police Department on October 16, 2024, and received a similar honor from the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office in October of the same year. Police Chief John Calamari and other department officials presented him with a department coffee mug, challenge coins, hats, patches, and other souvenirs along with an honorary officer award on December 10, 2024, making him an honorary police officer in Washington Township.
In addition to setting a world record, he hopes to convey his sincere gratitude to the hardworking men and women who support the vital work in these vital disciplines.
In order to express his gratitude and goodwill toward first responders, he is traveling to all of New Jersey’s police, fire, and emergency medical departments. He currently serves as an honorary member of the Philadelphia Police Department and 23 other Garden State organizations.
According to his father, he is there to help his son accomplish his goals, and he is confident that Dawson will succeed in spite of his difficult obstacles. More than 200 challenge coins, 300 patches, and other honorary officer medals have already been given to Dawson.
