A 13-year-old Texas boy, DJ Daniels, was sworn in as an honorary police officer by three Metro Detroit police departments during a special ceremony on March 15, 2024. This memorable event took place at the Dearborn Heights Police Department, where DJ, who is battling brain and spinal cancer, continues his inspiring journey to become an honorary officer with law enforcement agencies across the United States.
DJ has faced extraordinary challenges, having undergone 13 brain surgeries since his diagnosis. Despite doctors initially giving him only five months to live, DJ remains determined. He stated, “The craziest part is I have 13 brain surgeries and I’m 13 years old.” His father, Theodis Daniel, expressed the significance of these moments, noting, “It means a great deal and a lot because I don’t know when it’s going to end.”
During the ceremony, DJ’s passion for law enforcement was evident. He has made it his mission to be recognized as an honorary officer by as many police departments as possible. To date, he has achieved this status with approximately 4,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide. DJ shared his goal, saying, “I’m just going to get as many as I can.”
In a highlight of his journey, DJ was named an honorary member of the U.S. Secret Service by President Donald Trump earlier this year. Theodis reflected on this emotional moment, emphasizing the importance of recognizing DJ’s struggle beyond politics. “I wanted to make sure everybody knew that if you’re going to apply for him, I want you to see not about politics, it was about a little boy that was struggling,” he remarked.
DJ’s aspiration to join law enforcement stems from his past experiences. He recalled, “They helped us, so I wanted to become one, and I just wanted to help more people.” His commitment to making a difference extends beyond his own journey. Recently, DJ and his father helped raise funds for a woman in need, allowing her to lay her loved one to rest. Theodis noted their recent success in raising $200,000 alongside country music star Jason Aldean, stating, “We didn’t want none of that money.”
Despite ongoing battles with cancer, including the appearance of new tumors earlier this year, DJ remains optimistic. He encourages others facing challenges to keep faith, saying, “Keep your head up, believe in God, stay safe, have faith.” When reflecting on what he is most grateful for, DJ emphasized his family: “I’m grateful for my dad and my two brothers and my mom and my grandma.”
For those wishing to support DJ and his family, donation options are available through designated links, and he can be followed on social media for updates on his journey. DJ’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of community support in the face of adversity.
