Thomas A. Dawson was born in Trenton, New Jersey on January 24, 1942. He later resided in Englishtown, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Prior to his enlistment in the New Jersey State Police, he was a mechanical assembler with the IBM Corporation in Dayton, New Jersey.

Detective Dawson enlisted with the New Jersey State Police on August 29, 1966 as a member of the 71st State Police Class. He was stationed in Troop “C” Howell, and later transferred to New Brunswick, Edwater Park and the CIS Narcotis Bureau. His service with the Division was characterized by loyalty, fearless performance of duty and faithful and energetic devotion to the principles of the New Jersey State Police and in 1968 he received a Citation for Meritorious Service.

Detective Dawson died as a result of injuries received in a motor vehicle accident in the line of duty.

On August 13, 1973, Detective Dawson was traveling in an undercover 1971 Ford Mustang heading south on Route 130 in Washington Township. The car ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. The car continued on, rolling over several times and struck another tree. It finally came to rest against a third tree after travelling a total of 132 feet and catching on fire. Detective Dawson was taken to Hamilton Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival from multiple traumatic injuries with internal hemorrhage.

Detective Dawson served 6 years and 11 months with the New Jersey State Police.

Detective Dawson was survived by his wife, two sons ages 14 and 5 and a 13 year-old step- daughter. Trooper Dawson was 31 years old.