Teen with terminal cancer sworn in by over 1,100 police agencies

Cape Girardeau Police Department

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) —Diagnosed at age six with terminal brain cancer and given just five months to live, DJ has defied the odds and captured national attention for his strength and spirit. Now recognized by over 1,100 law enforcement agencies across the country, including Cape Girardeau.

Cape Girardeau Police Chief Adam Glueck, one of more than 200 chiefs who have sworn DJ in, said it’s DJ who deserves the spotlight.

“I don’t think it was us that were changing lives,” Glueck said. “I think all the credit goes to DJ Daniel and the other children that were present there.”

DJ, who was also named an honorary Secret Service member following former President Donald Trump’s congressional address, delivers a heartfelt message.

“God gave me my wings,” DJ said, “but he said, I’m taking these back from you because you don’t get these wings until you graduate from the school of life.’”

Marveling at DJ’s courage, Glueck said the 13 year old’s message resonates far beyond the ceremony.

“The courage that DJ was able to show… I think that sends a powerful message to anybody, any children or adults, who are suffering from cancer or have family members that are suffering.”

Showcasing his character, DJ’s first act after being sworn in was to pay it forward, swearing in nine other children also battling cancer.

“I got to swear in kids that have cancer,” DJ said. “And I’m pretty sure that’s going to make them happy… will make them live longer.”

Chief Glueck says, “This was DJ’s event, but I was honored to be one of the many agencies that swore him in as a police officer.”

The Cape Girardeau Police Department made sure DJ left with department apparel, including a cap, a commemorative coin, and a small-sized police uniform shirt.

“We don’t know which officer it belonged to originally, it was very small, but it looked like it fit just fine,” Glueck said with a smile.

But DJ, had one more question “When do I go on patrol, and when do I get paid?”

With determination, DJ says, “I’m gonna keep on going until my gas tank runs out. And that’s when God calls you home.”

DJ Daniel’s message continues to inspire countless people across the nation, a young officer with a mission to help inspire others.