Image Credit: DJ Daniel – X Screenshot
DJ Daniel, the teenage cancer survivor honored by President Donald Trump during his March address to Congress, was sworn in Sunday as an honorary officer of the United States Park Police.
As Fox News reported, the ceremony took place on the National Mall, where Daniel later participated in patrol activities alongside law enforcement.
The swearing-in was led by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, who praised Daniel’s strength and determination in overcoming cancer while pursuing his dream of being recognized by 1,000 law enforcement agencies.
“DJ’s resilience in his battle against cancer has inspired the nation. It was an honor to meet with him and his family today at @Interior!” Burgum posted on X following the ceremony.
After taking his oath, Daniel suited up and took part in patrol duties on the National Mall. The Park Police issued a statement acknowledging his service, saying Daniel “demonstrated the highest degree of honor, integrity and service.”
Daniel, who was diagnosed with brain and spinal cancer in 2018 and given five months to live, has undergone more than 13 brain surgeries and is participating in a medical research study. Despite those odds, his father, Theodis, says Daniel is “beating the odds.”
The ceremony follows Daniel’s recent visit to the U.S. Secret Service Training Center on March 19, where he addressed the newest graduating class.
That visit came just weeks after President Trump honored him on March 4 during his joint address to Congress, naming him an honorary Secret Service agent.
While at the training center, Daniel was joined by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Secret Service Director Sean Curran. The group toured the facility after the event.
Recently, DHS launched a new recruitment video with DJ Daniel making an appearance:
Daniel also took the opportunity during his visit to share a message with other children fighting cancer: “Have faith. Believe in God. Listen to your parents.”
The Daniel family has continued to travel across the country visiting law enforcement departments. As of March 29, Daniel had been sworn in by 914 agencies.
Though still shy of his 1,000-agency goal, he has already broken records for holding the most keys to the city and for receiving the most proclamation days.
The journey is expected to continue with more agency visits scheduled in the coming months.
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