10-year-old sworn in as honorary Houston VA police chief

On Aug. 31, Michael E. DeBakey VA in Houston welcomed a new, honorary police chief when it swore in Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel during a special ceremony.

DJ, a 10-year-old local boy battling terminal spinal and brain cancer, has always dreamed of becoming a police officer. He is on a mission to be sworn-in with as many law enforcement agencies as possible.

“Welcome aboard, Chief.”

While working to increase awareness of childhood cancer, DJ is also trying to honor the legacy of 7-year-old Abigail Arias who wanted to fight bad guys along with her rare form of cancer. Abigail was sworn-in as Officer #758 with the Freeport Police Department and as an honorary Texas Ranger before she died of lung cancer in 2019.

Her incredible courage and fight against her terminal condition inspired people around the world. DJ never got the chance to meet Abigail but hopes to carry on her legacy.

DJ’s father a Navy Veteran

“Abigail is always in my heart,” said DJ, proudly striking a pose in his new VA Police uniform. “At first, my goal was to be sworn-in by 100 law enforcement agencies, but I passed that a while ago. Now, I’m just having fun.”

Medical Center Director Frank Vazquez and Police Chief Dwayne Barnes met DJ and presented him with a framed certificate making him the honorary chief of the Houston VA Police Department.

The “swearing-in” ceremony was even more special with the presence of DJ’s father, Theodis Daniel. Navy Veteran Daniel has been coming to Houston VA for care since Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

“DJ’s courage is inspiring,” said Vazquez. “We are honored to welcome him as a member of our Houston VA family, alongside his father.”

Officers welcomed their new “boss”

Upon being sworn in as the honorary police chief, DJ gave Deputy Director Lindsey Crain a big hug and asked, “Want to hear a joke?”

Telling jokes, giving firm handshakes, and providing hugs to everyone present, DJ was joined by a large group of Houston VA police officers for photographs. The officers were emotional as they welcomed their new “boss.”

“Welcome aboard, Chief,” Barnes told DJ. “It’s a true gift to have you join our VA family.”