Boy with terminal cancer tours New York City as sworn officer of 2 law enforcement agencies

In just a matter of hours, 10-year-old Devarjaye "DJ" Daniel was sworn in as an FBI agent and an NYPD officer.

News 12 Staff

Apr 21, 2022, 3:10 AM

Updated 898 days ago

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A little boy diagnosed with terminal cancer explored New York City on Wednesday with his new brothers and sisters in blue.
In just a matter of hours, 10-year-old Devarjaye "DJ" Daniel was sworn in as an FBI agent and an NYPD officer.
"Tomorrow's never promised for any of us. But for DJ, that's a fact," said Raymond Garivey, chief of the Freeport Police Department in Texas.
Since his diagnosis in 2018, Daniel has been sworn in to more than 380 law enforcement agencies across the country, in part, thanks to Garivey.
"It's who we are when you need something, you call a cop and we will be there for you," Garivey said.
Thanks to Blue Lives Matter NYC, Daniel got to add two more departments to his list.
His day started at St. Patrick's Cathedral where he lit a candle and gave out some hugs. Then, it was a quick trip to Times Square before his first assignment at FBI headquarters in Lower Manhattan.
Daniel was administered a polygraph test and then sworn in as an FBI agent.
“Him coming here brightens the day of everyone involved. He inspires us to do better," said Michael Driscoll, Assistant Director in Charge of FBI New York.
Daniel was then transported to the 13th Precinct where he signed in, met with the commanding officer and headed next door to ESU Truck 1 for a quick ride around the block and a trip up in to the air.
He then checked in on the fitness level of his brothers in blue with some exercises.
He then headed to One Police Plaza, where he checked in with some of the officers where he each greeted each one with his preferred hello, a hug.
He received his new uniform before he met with Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell, who swore him in as an NYPD officer.
"His story is extraordinary, and for us to be a part of something this significant, we could not pass by. I'm energized and reinvigorated to do what we do if he can come here and he can do this, then we can all step up to the plate," Sewell said.
Next, it was off to the East River, where he held off questions from the press and checked in on the Harbor Unit. Even the aviation unit stopped by to say hello.
Daniel saddled up and went for a quick ride with the mounted unit and met some of the other four-legged officers before he called it a day - one he will never forget.
It with these moments that Daniel's father, Theotis Daniel, says is how they get by.
"Help them live their best life to the end, to the end. Don't give them a constant reminder and that's what I try to do for him. He laughs, he jokes, he wants everybody to know, 'Hey, I love you so much, give me a hug!'" Theotis Daniel said.
Daniel hopes to be sworn in to even more departments. He's currently at 387.