SOUTH TOMS RIVER – Every so often, this newspaper will publish a story about a new officer being sworn in.
This story is a little different.
This article is about Sophia Colavito, who received a unique gift for her fifth birthday: a State Police uniform made in her size, and made by the same company that does it for the real troopers.
Sophia collects police badges, and received them from all over the world – and even further. She actually has a badge from NASA and the International Space Station.
She was made an honorary trooper, State Police Col. Patrick Callahan said. The company that makes State Trooper uniforms, Blauer, saw this and decided they wanted to make the uniform. Callahan delivered it to her on her birthday.
“She’s a trooper by all means,” he said.
Currently, she’s undergoing chemotherapy for a rare cancer. The Colavitos knew something was wrong when she was getting a lot of headaches. Eventually, doctors found a tumor suppressing the optic nerve, and it had spread to her spine and the lining of her brain.
“She has the courage, perseverance, and strength of a Jersey Trooper,” Callahan said. “And I would just caution the folks of South Toms River. Be mindful of the posted speed limit. She’s on the job.”
Callahan talked about her journey during one of Gov. Phil Murphy’s press conferences on the coronavirus. “God bless that little girl. She’s part of an incredible family as well,” the governor said.
In another birthday gift, South Toms River Police treated the family to the holiday lights show at PNC Bank Arts Center (with all the extras) in a party bus full of snacks and pizza for dinner.
How To Help Sophia
The family is in need of donations to help with medical treatments and assorted costs. You can send checks to Lindsay Colavito at PO Box 1964, Toms River, NJ 08754. You can also give at gofundme.com/f/fightwithfi or Venmo @Lindsay-Colavito
Merchandise is available to support her care at this site: linktr.ee/Fightwithfi
Keep up on her journey on Facebook under “Fight With Fi.”
