Dalton & Samaree Become Police Officers

In front of over 100 law enforcement officers representing over 50 departments from local, county, state and federal agencies, the swearing-in ceremony and culmination of the day’s activities took place at the Samuel & Josephine Plumeri Wishing Place, the wish-granting castle in Monroe Township.

Samaree, who is bravely battling sickle-cell disease, declared that his one true wish was to become a police officer so he could wear a uniform and “save somebody”.

Dalton, diagnosed with a seizure disorder, wished to become a police officer so he could meet a police dog, “catch bad guys” and get a jump start on what he hopes is his future career.

Samaree and Dalton’s wishes were granted in partnership with the New Jersey State Police.

Their morning began with police motorcade convoys from their homes, visits with their local hometown police departments in Camden and Florence, followed by VIP meet and greets and exclusive trainings with multiple units at the New Jersey State Police Headquarters in Hamilton.

The day culminated with the swearing-in ceremony at the Wishing Place. The powerful program was delivered by Make-A-Wish New Jersey President & CEO Tom Weatherall, Chairman & CEO of Amicus Therapeutics, former Board Chair of Make-A-Wish America and Wish Dad John Crowley, wish alum Megan Crowley, and New Jersey State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan.

Samaree and Dalton received their certificates from Colonel Callahan alongside members of their hometown police departments as their families proudly looked on.

New Jersey State Police coordinated a helicopter flyover above the castle and a presentation of patches from every law enforcement department in attendance, as a commemoration of the momentous occasion.

The historic day included a Pipes & Drums procession past the Law Enforcement Receiving Line, a motor vehicle stop and arrest by Samaree and Dalton when they learned that the wishing crystal had been stolen from the castle, and rides in the State Police Marine Unit boat and on Mounted Unit horses.

Dalton and Samaree’s wishes were granted amidst the New Jersey State Police’s 100th Anniversary. Their wishes also hold a special and historic significance in Make-A-Wish history; the founding of Make-A-Wish in 1980 was inspired by a

7-year-old boy in Phoenix, Arizona named Chris Greicius, who was battling leukemia. Chris always wanted to be a police officer, and members of law enforcement gathered together to create a life-changing day for him. Since that day, April 29th 1980, over 500,000 children with critical illnesses around the world have experienced the power of a wish.

Samaree and Dalton’s wishes united an entire community as they were welcomed as the two newest brothers in the police family. These two young men and their wishes impacted millions across the country as their story continues to be told, and will inspire well into the future.