On behalf of the San Antonio ISD Police Department, Chief Joe Curiel helped a 10-year-old child from the Houston area achieve his dream of becoming a police officer. On Feb. 7, Chief Curiel joined 40 other law enforcement agencies in the San Antonio area to honor Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, who is battling terminal cancer.

DJ is traveling the state to reach a goal of being sworn into 100+ law enforcement agencies in an effort to bring awareness to childhood cancer. After DJ’s stop in San Antonio, he is now an honorary officer, deputy, and trooper as part of more than 180 law enforcement agencies in Texas.

Chief Curiel pinned stars on DJ’s custom-made Texas State Trooper uniform, which was presented to the 10-year-old during the San Antonio ceremony. The stars Chief Curiel added to the uniform indicate DJ’s honorary status within SAISD’s police department.

In a letter to DJ, Chief Curiel wrote: “I would like to congratulate you for being selected as the ‘TOP GUN’ cadet of class #012022. You have graduated with honors, and as our Honorary Deputy Chief of Police, I am proud to have you on our team.”

At the close of the ceremony, participating law enforcement officers stood at attention in what is known as a Wall of Blue. DJ was escorted to the San Antonio Police Department’s helicopter for a ride upon the “Eagle.” While in San Antonio, DJ also enjoyed a Spurs game, a trip to Sea World, and he visited the Alamo.

DJ’s honorary tributes will continue. His next stop is in the Austin area, and agencies from other states also have reached out to help the child reach his dream.

Chief Curiel says he was proud to welcome DJ to San Antonio and the SAISD Police Department. In his letter, he concluded, “Welcome aboard, and remember, we are your brothers and sisters in Blue who are here for you and your family.”

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