A little boy from Texas who thinks the world of police officers is living his dream, even as he faces terminal cancer.
Devarjaye "DJ" Daniel is 10 years old and has taken on a special mission. He's trying to become an honorary officer in as many law enforcement departments around the United States as he can. April 2022 saw an exciting new addition to his list as DJ got sworn in as an honorary member of the New York Police Department.
DJ was diagnosed with anaplastic ependymoma grade III in 2018. The disease is caused by cancerous tumors on the base of the brain and, more rarely, the spinal cord, impacting the nervous system. It was shortly after his diagnosis that DJ came up with the goal of becoming a member of 100 different law enforcement departments.
On April 20, DJ was sworn in as an honorary NYPD officer. He got the full experience, beyond what some officers even do within their careers. DJ learned how to shoot a rifle and drive an armored vehicle.
DJ also got to suit up in riot gear. The helmet and shield may have been a little heavy, but that didn't detract from him enjoying every moment.
DJ felt comfortable joking around with officers, making comments about one being bald. At one point when they were sitting at a conference table and he was given a badge, he yelled, "If you ain't got one of these, get off the table!" He even got officers to compete in an impromptu pushup competition.
DJ has surpassed his original goal of 100 agencies. He's now an honorary member of over 250 law enforcement agencies.
DJ has had at least 11 surgeries and struggles every day. Still, he has an amazing attitude about it, according to his father.
"I do appreciate everyone coming out to support him. This is exactly why he has the push to fight harder," Theodis Daniel said in February, when they hit the goal of 100 agencies.
"[He] knows the severity of his cancer, but he is not letting it set him back or anything."
