13-Year-Old Cancer Warrior Sworn as Honorary Member of Wilco Agencies
In May, 13-year-old DJ Daniel was sworn into the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and several other local law enforcement agencies, tallying another stop in the young cancer warrior’s quest to be sworn in across a total of 1,000 law enforcement agencies.
At 6 years old, DJ was diagnosed with a rare brain and spinal cancer and given five months to live. That was six years ago and, since then, he has traveled around the world visiting police stations and being welcomed into their ranks after word spread of his dream to become a police officer. That dream took root in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, when DJ witnessed firsthand the compassion local law enforcement showed in responding to the disaster in the Houston community where he lives.
He was first sworn in as an honorary officer by the Brookshire Police Department in Texas in 2019 and, as more departments began reaching out, DJ’s journey gained momentum and eventually attracted national attention. In March, President Donald Trump recognized him during a joint session of Congress and named him an honorary U.S. Secret Agent.
DJ’s initial goal was to be sworn in by 100 law enforcement agencies. He has since been named an honorary member of more than 900 departments and offices in the United States, Belgium, Turkey, Italy, and Israel. Multiple GoFundMe fundraisers have helped fund their travels as DJ continues his inspirational journey around the world.
WILCO WELCOMES DJ TO THE FAMILY
When Williamson County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeff Combs heard about DJ’s story, “I felt like I had to do it for him here in Williamson County,” he says. He reached out to DJ’s dad, Theodis, and invited them to visit for another swearing-in ceremony. DJ kicked off his stop in Williamson County with a swim at Kalahari Resorts before heading to the courthouse the next day, where he was sworn in by Sheriff Matt Lindemann as well as police chiefs from Georgetown, Jarrell, Cedar Park, Granger, Florence, Taylor, Constable Precinct 3, and other cities around the county. “It was an honor, a very special honor to be able to swear him in as an honorary deputy here in Williamson County,” Sheriff Lindemann says. Georgetown Police Chief Cory Tchida echoed the sheriff’s remarks, saying he was honored to be one of many law enforcement agencies across Texas and the country to swear DJ in as an honorary officer. “His courage, commitment, grace, and humor made it a special day for not only him but for all of us as well.”
Despite 13 surgeries and a relapse earlier this year, DJ has maintained a positive attitude, keeping attendees laughing with jokes and quips throughout his swearing-in ceremony. “It feels great,” he said simply when asked what it’s like to be recognized by so many law enforcement agencies. As he has told his growing community of online supporters, “Like I always say, I’m going to keep on going until my gas tank runs out. If you got cancer, don’t give up on life. All you got to do is pray, believe in God, and just keep that negative energy out of your mind.”
He remains optimistic about his cancer battle, saying after the ceremony, “If you have terminal brain cancer, you’re not alone because I’m still battling it. But I’m not going to let it take me over.”
His dad sees their travels and ceremonies not just as symbolic gestures, but part of DJ’s healing. “They are a form of treatment for him,” Theodis says. “Most parents, when they find out their kids have cancer, they close them off from the world. But it’s not healthy for them. Take them out and let them be as normal as possible. I don’t care if they have two months to live. Take them to a football game, yeah put a mask on them, do whatever, but let them enjoy life. Yeah, you’re looking at two months, but it could be substantially longer than that if you keep the positivity that makes your worst day the best day.”
There are several GoFundMe pages in DJ’s name. This link was provided by his father, Theodis, so you can scan with confidence and bless their family as they carry the financial burden of DJ’s medical care on a single income.