On July 20, 2019, Toms River, NJ, resident Dawson Palmarini, traveling on Route 37 in Toms River, sustained traumatic injuries in a motorcycle crash. The multiple first responders—fire, EMS, and police—who rendered lifesaving aid at the scene saved Palmarini’s life. Palmarini spent four months in a coma and emerged with a traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression.

“He could not walk or feed himself,” said Palmarini’s father, Vincent. Little by little, and with much therapy, Palmarini regained his ability to walk, but his accident and permanent injuries left him depressed. To combat this. He embarked on a journey to honor the first responders who saved his life. His goal is to visit every police department, firehouse, and EMS agency in New Jersey. On December 16, he was welcomed to RUPD New Brunswick headquarters.

Captain Brian Emmett conducted an official swearing in with numerous officers present. Vincent Palmarini swelled with pride and noted how helpful this journey has been to his son’s recovery. “Most of his friends don’t even text him anymore, Vincent Palmarini said, “but we have met police officers along the way who keep in touch ad text him from time to time. It has helped him so much.”

Palmarini has visited over 50 of some 500 first responder-agencies in New Jersey.

“Dawson is on a noble mission of gratitude. Dawson is determined to visit every police department, firehouse, and EMS agency in the state. His profound goal is to express overwhelming thanks to the dedicated men and women who contribute to the essential work in these critical fields,” said Sergeant Marlise Correa, who helped arrange the visit. After the swearing in, Correa led the Palmarinis on a tour of the headquarters. 

This article can be found in the IP&O Insights Newsletter March Issue.