MANCHESTER – It is always rewarding to get a ‘thank you.’ Township police recently got just that from a man whose life they saved in 2016 when he recently visited the police station.
Dale Dexter stopped by police headquarters on the afternoon of December 20, 2022 to meet, in person, the two officers he credits with saving his life following a heroin induced overdose at approximately 6:30 a.m., on February 10, 2016.
The officers who responded to the scene and rendered aid were Patrolman (now Detective) Michael Guarino and Patrolman Jason Wiener. Upon arrival, they found Dexter unresponsive, with a low pulse rate and shallow breathing. Upon assessment of his condition, the officers immediately performed life-saving measures to include the administration of Naloxone (Narcan).
Shortly after the administration of Naloxone, members of Manchester First Aid (Squad 29)/ Paramedics arrived and assumed ongoing care for Dexter.
During his visit with the two officers in the briefing room along with other members of the department, Dexter shook their hands and expressed sincere gratitude for saving his life.
“Without these two gentlemen, I would not be standing here today and my life would not be as amazing as it is today. It helped me change my life and I couldn’t be more grateful to them,” Dexter said.
Dexter explained that the day he overdosed marked a turning point in his life and proudly stated that he had been clean for over five years. He indicated that one of his life’s goals is to help as many people as he can, and to give back to the community from which he admittedly had taken from for many years.
One way he is working toward meeting that goal is through volunteer efforts with the Toms River based Hope Sheds Light organization where he has been involved as a certified peer recovery specialist.
Members of the township police department thanked Dexter for taking the time to acknowledge the officers for their distinguished efforts and wish him the best in the future.
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