Michael Pellegrino is a lifelong public servant, leader, and advocate for mental wellness in the first responder community. A proud graduate of Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, NJ, Michael pursued his passion for public safety and service through studies at Mercer County Community College (Fire Science), Caldwell College, and the Martin School of Business in Philadelphia, PA.
Michael began his law enforcement career in 1994 at just 19 years old after graduating from the Trenton Police Academy. He served with distinction in the Ewing Police Department for 25 years, working in various critical roles including Patrol Division Officer, Traffic Officer, and School Resource Officer at elementary, middle, and high school levels. He was a certified instructor for both the DARE and GREAT programs, reinforcing his dedication to youth engagement and education.
His commitment extended into specialized investigations as a Detective in the Youth and Family Services Bureau and later in the Mercer County Special Investigations Unit focusing on narcotics and gun crimes. Michael was also a trusted mentor in community-based programs such as “Safety Town” and the Ewing Police Youth Academy.
Michael’s exceptional service has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards including the Ewing Police Medal of Honor, NJ State PBA Unit Citation Award, National Law Enforcement Officer of the Month, Carnegie Medal of Honor, and the Knights of Columbus Exceptional Service Award. He was honored as the Mercer County 200 Hero for a life-saving vehicle rescue and was named Ewing Police’s Officer of the Year in 2018.
An influential voice in police advocacy, Michael served on the Ewing PBA Executive Board and later as 2nd Vice President of the NJ State PBA. He contributed to several key committees including the Peer Liaison Committee, Good and Welfare, and the PAC Committee, among others. He was instrumental in supporting officers’ mental health through peer support and resiliency training initiatives.
Even in retirement, Michael’s impact continues. He served as an Agent to Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri and as Chief Resiliency Officer for the county. He is a Master Resiliency Trainer with the FBI National Academy Associates and actively supports numerous community organizations such as the Police Unity Tour (Executive Board Member), Sunshine Foundation’s Operation Dreamlift, and the Diocese of Trenton’s Blue Mass Committee.
Michael is also an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, certified life coach, and real estate professional licensed in New Jersey and Florida. Alongside his wife Diana, he co-owns DPM Shore Solutions, an advertising, marketing, and event planning company.
In March 2020, Michael founded Resilient Minds On The Front Lines Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit created to provide hope, positivity, and practical tools for building resilience among first responders and frontline professionals. What began as a webcast has grown into a robust training platform covering Resiliency, Chaplaincy, Leadership, Financial Wellness, and Trauma-Informed Care.
Michael resides with his wife Diana and their beloved dogs, Bella and Wookie, continuing his mission to serve, inspire, and empower others both in and beyond the badge.