By james art
Birmingham Times
In the midst of Birmingham’s festivities surrounding America’s largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) football game last week, several local law enforcement agencies took time to honor a critically ill Birmingham youth and fulfill one of his dreams.
Officers from 33 law enforcement agencies across the state, including the Birmingham Police Department, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the FBI, Alabama State University (ASU) Department of Public Safety presented Devarjay “DJ” Daniel, 12, with badges, resolutions and more . Daniel was diagnosed with terminal brain and spine cancer when he was just 6 years old.
“It’s a great day to support a young man who has a lot of challenges ahead of him,” said Police Chief Scott Thurmond. “It’s heartening for us to have someone who wants to be a part of the profession and give back to others.”
Kevin Kendrick, director of ASU’s Department of Public Safety, presented Daniel with the title of “Honorary Police Officer” of the university’s Department of Public Safety. The presentation was made at noon on Friday (October 25) at the CrossPlex in Birmingham.
Honoring Daniel was among the most meaningful duties he ever performed in the line of duty, Kendrick said.
“It was truly an honor and a privilege to participate in the DJ swearing-in ceremony,” Kendrick said. “The strength and courage he exudes is a testament to what it means to protect and serve, and I am proud to have him sworn in as an (emeritus) police officer from Alabama State University.”
DJ is being treated for advanced brain cancer. His number one desire is to pursue a career as a law enforcement officer. ASU teamed up with the City of Birmingham Police Department to make DJ’s dream a reality. The young man’s ultimate goal is to be sworn in as an honorary officer from 1,000 different police departments.
Despite undergoing 13 surgeries, the Texas boy’s determination to become a police officer never wavered. In 2019, he was sworn in for the first time as an officer with the Brookshire Police Department in Texas.
When he was initially given five months to live, he set himself the goal of swearing in 100 police departments.
Since then, he has been sworn in at 871 police departments in the US and abroad, including most recently in Italy.
The DJ said he wants to continue traveling the world visiting police stations “until my gas tank runs out.”
“I’m pretty sure you know what that means.” This is when God calls you home,” DJ said. “Pray for children who have brain cancer.”
AL.com contributed to this post.