Pennsauken Township Police Department, New Jersey
End of Watch: Sunday, March 7, 1999
Age: 56
Tour of Duty: 9 years
Badge Number: 27
Cause of Death: Automobile crash
Date of Incident: September 7, 1974
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Not available
Patrolman Richard Dawson died 25 years after being involved in an automobile crash while en route to a burglary call.
During the response, Patrolman Dawson lost control of his patrol car on wet, slippery pavement at the intersection of Route 130 and Woodland Avenue. He suffered a broken neck and was rendered a quadriplegic. He died from injuries related to the accident.
Patrolman Dawson was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Pennsauken Township Police Department for nine years. He is survived by his wife and son.