Fair Haven Police Officer Breaks Neck Swimming On July 4

FAIR HAVEN, NJ — Wednesday, July 4. The unthinkable happened that day when a well-known and beloved Fair Haven police officer broke his neck while swimming in the Atlantic Ocean.

Patrolman Dwayne Reevey remains in the hospital, according to a GoFundMe page set up for his medical bills, one which has already massively exceed its original goal of a humble $15,000. So far, more than $67,000 in donations has poured in, with new donations being made every hour by Monday afternoon, July 9.

It is not yet known where exactly the accident happened. A call to the Fair Haven police department for more information was not immediately returned. Reevey grew up in Fair Haven, and lived in Red Bank before settling in Middletown, where he currently lives with his wife. The young couple recently had a child, a baby boy. On the GoFundMe page, his friends described him as "a beloved friend, father, husband, neighbor ... and all-around role model."

"He heroically and miraculously walked himself out of the ocean to safety before being rushed to the hospital, where he still remains," his loved ones wrote. "Dwayne has been successfully fitted with a Halo, but will require months of rest and physical therapy in order to recover."

The prognosis is reportedly positive, according to an article about Reevey's accident in RedBankGreen.

Reevey has strong family ties to the Fair Haven community: His family has lived in the area for generations and his mother, Sonia Reevey, served as president of the Fair Haven Senior Citizens Committee. After graduating from Rowan University with a degree in criminal justice, Reevey's first job in law enforcement was with the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office. In October of 2011, he was sworn in as a police officer to protect his beloved hometown of Fair Haven. See photos of his swearing in here: FHPD Welcomes a Home-Grown Officer to Serve the Borough

"We are very lucky to have a home-grown individual," said Police Chief Daryl Breckenridge on the day of his swearing-in, Oct. 11, 2011.

Reevey said at the time that serving Fair Haven has always been a dream for him because of his strong roots and ties to the community. "I grew up here and my grandfather grew up here. My family has been in this town for over 80 years," he said. "I am happy to be working for my town, which is a small town and a tight-knit community."

"Dwayne brings out the best in everyone around him and has done so much for the people of our community. Now it is our turn to help him and his family," his loved ones wrote on his GoFundMe page. "It is unfortunate when accidents like this occur, but it is also uplifting to see it bring out the best in people as they help a family in need. Thank you all in advance for your thoughts and support. No one is more deserving than the Reeveys."

Reevey and his mother and father at his swearing-in:

Go Fund Me is a promotional partner of Patch. Visit Darryl Reevey's page here: Please Help Dwayne & the Reeveys