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William Westhoven
Morristown Daily Record

An off-duty New Jersey State Trooper became the star of an NFL Sunday in Rockaway Township when he sprang to action at Buffalo Wild Wings to save another patron from choking.

New Jersey State Trooper Dennis Palaia saved a choking man at the Rockaway Township Buffalo Wild Wings on Sunday.

Trooper Dennis Palaia, of the Totowa-based Troop “B” Tactical Patrol Unit, had just arrived at the restaurant at Rockaway Townsquare mall to watch football with his son when he noticed that a man at a nearby table was in distress, according to an NJSP report.

New Jersey State Trooper Dennis Palaia, seen on security video, saves a man from choking at Buffalo Wild Wings in Rockaway Township.

Recognizing that the man was choking, Palaia, wearing a New York Jets jersey, immediately began the Heimlich Maneuver, wrapping his arms around the man’s waist and executing four abdominal thrusts, which cleared the man's airway.

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Regaining his breath and color, the man thanked Palaia for his life-saving efforts. The NJSP reported that with the exception of a sore throat and aching ribs, "we are pleased to report that the man made a full recovery and is eternally grateful to Trooper Palaia, whose quick and decisive actions undoubtedly prevented a tragedy."

William Westhoven; wwesthoven@GannettNJ.com.