Acting Administrator Derek Maltz of the Drug Enforcement Agency administers the oath to Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, 13, in April. Daniel, diagnosed with cancer and given five months to live in 2018, will be sworn in as an honorary officer with the Parkersburg Police Department at 11 a.m. Sept. 12. The event will include the Chris Darlington Band’s On your Bumper tour concert at 7 p.m. at the Point Park Amphitheatre. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG – An event celebrating a 13-year-old who has inspired law enforcement agencies across the country with his dream of becoming a police officer will be held Sept. 12 in Parkersburg.

Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel was diagnosed in 2018 with brain and spinal cancer and given just five months to live. He has undergone 13 brain surgeries to date.

Despite the challenges, he has made it his mission to be sworn in by as many law enforcement agencies as possible, already joining the ranks of more than 1,000 departments, including international swearing-ins such as in Italy.

Daniel will be sworn into the Parkersburg Police Department as an honorary member in a ceremony at 11 a.m. at the bandshell at City Park. The event will be followed by the Chris Darlington Band performing its On your Bumper tour concert at 7 p.m. at the Point Park Amphitheatre.

Both events are free and open to the public.

His journey is a testament to the human spirit and a deep admiration for those who serve in uniform, inspired by watching his military father engage with law enforcement officers, according to Parkersburg Police Chief Matthew Board.

“DJ Daniel represents the very best of what it means to wear a badge, courage, resilience and

a heart for service. His story reminds all of us why we took an oath to protect and serve,” Board said. “We are humbled to welcome him into our law enforcement family here in Parkersburg.”

The Parkersburg Police Department has invited all law enforcement agencies in West Virginia to swear in Daniel as an honorary member during the event. For more information, contact the Parkersburg Police Department.