August 31, 2021
By: Tyler Eckel
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP (MERCER)– Earlier today, Colonel Patrick J. Callahan joined Make-A-Wish of New Jersey President and CEO Tom Weatherall, former Make-A-Wish of America Board Chair John Crowley, and a contingent of more than 100 troopers and law enforcement officers from several states to make a dream come true for two amazing boys. Samaree and Dalton are 6-year-old boys battling serious illnesses who dream to become police officers.
The day began when troopers escorted the boys from their hometowns of Camden and Florence to Troop “C” Hamilton Station where they got a chance to don custom-made State Police uniforms and participate in training exercises with our T.E.A.M.S and K-9 Units. They were also given a tour of the station by Troop “C ” Hamilton Station detectives and had the opportunity to meet pilots from our Aviation Unit and members of our Marine Services Bureau.
After they were all trained up, they made their way to the Make-A-Wish Castle in Monroe Township where they were welcomed by Colonel Callahan and more than 100 police officers from various departments.
Colonel Callahan led a ceremony where he surprised the boys by officially making them Honorary State Troopers. He had an opportunity to speak about their strength and bravery and how he was inspired by their wish to become police officers.
After the ceremony, Samaree and Dalton solved their first crime when they located a suspect vehicle involved in the stolen wish crystal from the Make-A-Wish Castle. We think they did a great job solving a crime on their first day.
We would like to thank Blauer for providing official New Jersey State Police Uniforms, Troopers United Foundation and Route 22 Limousine for helping to make this day a success.
Make-A-Wish of New Jersey has granted nearly 11,000 life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses throughout the Garden State, and we commend them for their efforts.
Photos provided by NJ State Police.