KINGWOOD TOWNSHIP, New Jersey -- We’re not sure what the odds are of this happening—maybe they’re close to the odds of a hole-in-one, winning the lottery, or being struck by lightning—but it happened.
On Friday, June 1, Trooper Michael Patterson stopped Matthew Bailly for a minor motor vehicle violation in Kingwood Township. During the initial conversation, Mr. Bailly told Trooper Patterson that he was a retired Piscataway police officer. Trooper Patterson, being a Piscataway native, told Mr. Bailly that he is from the same town. Now here’s where things get interesting…
Mr. Bailly asked Trooper Patterson where he used to live. When Trooper Patterson told him that he grew up on Poe Place, Mr. Bailly said that he remembered that street, because he helped deliver a baby there 27 years ago when he was a rookie cop. He was even able to describe the color, style of house, and the baby’s name, Michael.
Trooper Patterson extended his hand and replied, “My name is Michael Patterson, sir. Thank you for delivering me.”
Whatever the odds were, it happened. Trooper Michael Patterson stopped the police officer who delivered him 27 years ago in Piscataway. Mr. Bailly had four years on the job when he responded to a home on Poe Place in Piscataway. The date was October 5, 1991. Trooper Patterson’s mother, Karen Patterson, was out shopping when she went into labor. She barely made it home. Bobby Patterson, Trooper Patterson’s father, rushed outside, picked up his wife, and carried her inside the house. He then called the doctor who talked Officer Bailly through the birth. Needless to say, Trooper Patterson, Matthew Bailly, and both of their families were ecstatic about the reunion.
So, Trooper Patterson and his mother visited Mr. Bailly and his wife at their home where they took these photos! They all felt this story was so uplifting, it needed to be shared, and we agree! After all, as a police officer, you don’t always get a chance to have a moment like this with people you once helped in your career!
Information provided by New Jersey State Police
