Birmingham Police Department Welcomes Young Honorary Deputy Chief
Birmingham, AL – In a heartfelt ceremony on Friday, Devarjay “DJ” Daniel, a courageous 12-year-old boy with a terminal illness, was sworn in as an honorary deputy chief at the Birmingham Police Department. The event took place at the Crossplex and brought together representatives from 33 law enforcement agencies across the state, including the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the FBI.
A Dream Realized Despite Challenges
Diagnosed with terminal brain and spine cancer at just six years old, DJ’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Despite undergoing 13 surgeries, his dream of becoming a police officer has remained unwavering. In 2019, he was first sworn in by the Brookshire Police Department in Texas. Faced with a prognosis of five months to live, DJ set a remarkable goal: to be sworn in by 100 police departments. To date, he has achieved an impressive total of 871 swearings-in across the U.S. and even internationally, including a recent swearing-in in Italy.
A Community Coming Together
The swearing-in ceremony in Birmingham featured badges, resolutions, and other gifts presented to DJ, celebrating his resilience and determination. Police Chief Scott Thurmond expressed deep admiration for DJ, stating, “It’s an awesome day to support a young man who has a lot of challenges in front of him. It’s reinvigorating to us to have someone who wants to be a part of the profession and give back to others.”
Cedric Sparks, chief of staff for the Birmingham Mayor’s Office, echoed these sentiments, celebrating DJ as a symbol of courage. “In this room, the valor, the courage of men and women is personified and epitomized in this dynamic young man,” Sparks said. “I’m thankful his family believes in the calling on his life and the purpose he has for himself.”
Family’s Strength Amidst Challenges
In an emotional moment, DJ learned this week that he had three new tumors on his brain. His father, Theodis Daniel, shared the family’s determination amidst these hardships. “It’s a heavy load to carry but you see he doesn’t care,” he said. Daniel, a veteran raising three sons as a single father, reflected on how DJ’s aspiration began after their family was displaced by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Living in a shelter in Houston, DJ and his brothers met police officers who brought them pizza, a small act that left a lasting impact on the boys.
“At a moment in our lives when we just didn’t know what to do, something as small as three officers giving us pizza pretty much put it in the minds of Devarjay and his brothers to be police officers,” Daniel recalled.
A Shared Trust in Uniforms
Daniel emphasized the trust and respect fostered through their interactions with law enforcement, stating, “I told them that’s because I trust the uniform.” He expressed gratitude towards the officers, stating, “You definitely inspire us, especially him.”
DJ himself shared his ambitions, stating, “I want to keep traveling the world visiting police departments until my gas tank runs out.” His heartfelt words resonated with all in attendance as he emphasized the importance of prayers for children battling cancer.
Inspiring Hope in the Community
As the ceremony concluded, Theodis Daniel conveyed gratitude to the officers present, declaring, “You’ve been saving his life for the last five years.” DJ’s journey is not just an individual story of perseverance but a poignant reminder of the positive impact community support can have in times of hardship. His dedication to his dream, despite the odds, inspires many and promotes a sense of hope within the community. Today, DJ will participate in the Magic City Classic Parade downtown, an opportunity he eagerly anticipated.
As Birmingham embraces DJ, the spirit of community support and determination shines brightly, reminding everyone of the strength that can arise in the face of adversity.
