Louisiana’s Honorary Officer: DJ Daniel’s 6-Year Battle and Badge of Courage

During his address to Congress last night, President Trump recognized several heroic Americans, and families of victims of violent crimes.  The President acknowledged the family of Corey Campertore, the firefighter who was killed by an assassin's bullet in Butler, PA while trying to protect his family. 

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Trump told about a 17 year-old high school senior named Jason Hartley.  Hartley’s life-long dream has been to follow in his grandfather and great-grandfather's footsteps and serve in the US military. Hartley, a 6 letter athlete with a 4.46 GPA applied to the US Military Academy at West Point, and was told by the Commander in Chief last night that his application to West Point had been approved.  

But the most touching moment from last night’s speech, was when President Trump told 13-year old DJ Daniel, who’s dream has always been to serve as a police officer, that he was now an honorary US Secret Service Agent.  

Daniel was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018 and was told he had about 5 months to live.  That was six years ago.  When Daniel’s home was destroyed by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, three police officers brought pizza to DJ and his brother in the shelter they were staying.  That small act of kindness inspired the young Daniel to want to be a police officer. 

After his diagnosis, Daniel set a goal to be sworn in by 100 police departments.  Since that time, he has been sworn in as an honorary officer by more than 870 police departments across the country, and even as far away as Italy. 

You might not have realized, but Daniel was sworn in right here in Shreveport Bossier last year. Daniel was honored by the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Department, the Bossier City Police Department, the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, and the Shreveport Police, back in May of last year. 

None of us are guaranteed tomorrow, but for this special young man, every day is an extra special gift.  And it’s encouraging to see his dreams come true.