A Texas boy honored by President Trump this week as an honorary Secret Service agent already has "veteran" status with law enforcement agencies in Atlantic and Cape May counties.
Devarjaye Daniel — who goes by DJ — was given just months to live after his brain cancer diagnosis in 2018.
That is when DJ made it his mission to visit 100 law enforcement agencies.
Then is was 500. Then 758, in honor of a badge number of a young friend who lost her battle with cancer.
Along that tour, DJ made it to South Jersey, where he was sworn in to several local law enforcement agencies.
"We were proud to see our 'Honorary Chief' DJ Daniel get sworn in as an agent of the United States Secret Service by President Trump and Secret Service Director Sean Curran during President Trump's Address to Congress last night," Linwood police wrote in a Facebook post Wednesday. "Chief Daniel has displayed tremendous courage and humor while facing several rare forms of childhood cancer. His strength and determination are a lesson for all of us to continue to chase our dreams and to never give up."
During his local tour in May of 2022, the young "officer" was presented with uniforms and plaques.
"We are so happy that DJ is continuing to give hope to so many people with his story and his mission and hope that one day he can fulfill his dream and serve alongside our brothers and sisters in blue," Egg Harbor Township police wrote in a throwback to his visit there.
"DJ continues to inspire countless individuals with his mission and story of hope, and we are hopeful that one day he will achieve his dream of serving alongside our brothers and sisters in blue," Longport police wrote. "Any department fortunate enough to welcome DJ will undoubtedly benefit from his dedication and positivity."
The local visit included a mass honorary swearing-in ceremony at Ocean City's Music Pier hosted by Longport police and attended by 29 other law enforcement agencies.
A look back at DJ Daniel's local visit.
