Terminal Cancer Patient, 10, Joins San Antonio PD, over 180 LE Agencies

At just 10-years-old, Devarjaye Daniel is now an honorary officer, deputy and trooper as part of more than 180 law enforcement agencies in Texas.

It's a milestone that far surpasses his original wish in his journey to join as many law enforcement agencies as he can while he battles terminal brain and spine cancer.

Initially, Devarjaye set a goal of joining 100 agencies. And on Monday, he had already exceeded that number as he was sworn into 40 more agencies by San Antonio Police Chief William McManus at Community Bible Church.

"This fuel right here is just nitrous oxide that you get to continue to fight," said Devarjaye's father, Theodis Daniel, who is a San Antonio native and U.S. Navy veteran, born here while his father was stationed at what is now Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, before he moved to Houston.

"Every day they're (law enforcement) on the street. They gotta they gotta fight for peace and quality of life for everyone," Daniels said, sharing wisdom he has imparted on Devarjaye and his two brothers. "It's not brain cancer, but it's the same kind of fight. They get up every day and be happy about what they got to go through and come back home."

During the ceremony, Devarjaye stood wearing the signature beige Texas State Trooper uniform, his right hand raised as he listened to McManus.

Chiefs, sheriffs and command staff members from many other agencies were also present, shaking hands and sharing hugs with Devarjaye in a line on the center stage.

The bright, confident young boy delighted the audience and law enforcement in return with his energetic handshakes, and an impromptu comedy session of child-friendly jokes.

"No one here is a stranger, I know that's right," Devarjaye said, addressing the audience.

Texas Department of Public Safety Regional Director Todd Snyder even presented Devarjaye with a custom pair of DPS boots, which he quickly donned.

Authorities then stood at attention outside the church as he was escorted for a ride in the sky onboard Eagle, the San Antonio Police Department's helicopter.

Officer Douglas Greene, a San Antonio police spokesman, said law enforcement agencies came from as far as Dallas and El Paso.

Greene spent some time with Devarjaye during his visit to San Antonio since his arrival Thursday.

"He could choose to be depressed, to be sad, to take his anger out on others," Greene said. "But, no. He's choosing to choose love, and specifically first responders."

Devarjaye enjoyed a Spurs game, a trip to SeaWorld San Antonio and a visit to the Alamo.

He is also continuing a journey that began with another cancer patient, Abigail Arias, 7, who was sworn in as an honorary Freeport officer in February 2019.

Abigail died of cancer in November 2019.

Prior she died, Freeport Police Chief Ray Garivey invited any other child facing terminal cancer to be an honorary officer like Abigail, Greene said.

Standing on stage Monday, Devarjaye struck the same pose, arms open and a wide stance, that Abigail once made.

Devarjaye has undergone 11 brain surgeries and has cataracts, his father said, naming some of the struggles that his son has endured over the past three years while addressing the audience. The cancer could take Devarjaye's life at any time, according to the family.

"When Chief Garivey calls, he jumps out of that bed," Daniels said, adding that Devarjaye keeps any struggles to himself. "He doesn't put that energy on anyone else. He just wants everyone to have positivity."

Devarjaye hopes to continue joining other agencies, his family said, adding that agencies from New Jersey and other states have reached out. His next stop is with police agencies in the Austin area in Round Rock later this month.

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