13-year-old battling cancer, honored by over 900 agencies, joins JSO family

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – He’s been named an honorary officer for hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the country, and he just added Jacksonville to that list.

On Wednesday, Sheriff T.K. Waters and fellow Florida sheriffs welcomed 13-year-old Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel with a badge and uniform to honor his strength courage, and dedication.

“It’s official: [DJ] is now part of our #JSO family,” the Sheriff’s Office shared on social media.

DJ has battled brain and spinal cancer since 2018 and has been sworn in by more than 900 law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service.

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“They didn’t even tell me,” DJ told News4JAX sister station KPRC IN in Houston. “It’s crazy because everyone knew.”

He told KPRC that his new goal is to be sworn in by 1,000 agencies.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office helped DJ reach his goal.

“Florida Sheriff’s learned that his goal was to be sworn-in by 1,000 agencies. Today, we helped him surpass that goal and he’s now a “cop” in over 1,350 agencies across America!” the agency said in a social media post.

“We’re proud to support him,” JSO said. “Sheriff Waters already has his eye on recruiting DJ for the future.”

During the event, DJ was also deputized by Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze II as an honorary Florida State Trooper.

“Trooper DJ’s passionate support of law enforcement is an inspiration to many, and FHP was honored to present him with this distinction,” FHP said.

Other Florida agencies, such as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Columbia County and Flagler County sheriff’s offices, also acknowledged him.