PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — The Parkersburg Police Department welcomed a courageous new honorary member on Friday: 13-year-old Devarjaye “D.J.” Daniel of Texas, who has been battling brain and spinal cancer since 2018.
Daniel, previously recognized by President Donald Trump, was officially sworn in as an honorary West Virginia police officer during a ceremony at Parkersburg City Park. He received a West Virginia State Police uniform along with a written statement from Governor Patrick Morrisey.
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A Boy’s Dream to Serve in Uniform
After his diagnosis, D.J. set out to fulfill his dream of being sworn into 1,000 law enforcement agencies—a milestone he has now proudly achieved. Along the way, he also became an honorary DEA special agent and earned recognition from Trump in 2025, when the former president named him an honorary Secret Service agent during a Presidential address to Congress.
A Community Celebration
Following the ceremony, Daniel signed autographs and posed for photos with attendees. The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office documented the event, joined by the Gilmer and Harrison County Sheriff’s Offices.
On Facebook, Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny introduced Daniel as the department’s newest Honorary Deputy Sheriff, saying he “had the honor to meet and talk with this amazing young man.”
For D.J., every swearing-in marks more than a badge or a title—it represents hope, resilience, and the unwavering support of law enforcement communities nationwide.
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