Liberty PD welcomes officers
Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel smiles with City of Liberty substitute Municipal Judge Stephen Hebert during the Liberty Police Department swearing-in ceremony. The Vindicator | Russell Payne
The Vindicator | Russell Payne The Liberty Police Department held a swearing-in ceremony Friday, June 10.
Corp. Adam McBride and Sgt. Christopher Watson both received a promotion and are officially being sworn in.
It was a family affair at the Liberty Police Department on Friday, June 1, as they officially swore in several officers and made promotions within the department. Many of those officers have been with LPD for some time, but due to the restraints of COVID19, there have been some delays in ceremonies.
Among those being sworn into the LPD was a remarkable 10-year-old young man named Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel from Houston.
He may sound limited in experience at such a young age. Still, he has been racking up the miles lately, as he has collected over 500 commissions in law enforcement agencies across several states, including the New York City Police Department.
Daniel is battling terminal brain and spine cancer, he dreamed of being a police officer when he grew up, and has made it his mission to be sworn into as many law enforcement agencies as he can along the way.
According to his father, Theodis Daniel, he was diagnosed initially in September of 2018. He was given a very short time, but the younger Daniel has persevered and found happiness in fulfilling his mission. A mission that he told those in attendance last week in Liberty was to serve God.
Daniel has had 11 brain surgeries and is currently undergoing a medical trial where he is the only patient. His father said that he understands the reality of his situation.
“He knows the severity of it, but his happiness keeps us alive,” his father said.
Originally Daniel had a goal of 100 police departments, but there has been an outpouring of support that keeps giving to the young man. In fact, he may even be included in the Guinness Book of World Records before it is all said and done.
“Pretty much his happiness is what’s keeping him going,” said his father.
LPD Chief Gary Martin was excited to have Daniel join the ranks of the family. He was also happy to welcome his officers officially into the fray, especially as many had already become valuable community members.
Martin spoke of the selection process officers with the department un dertake, with a number of interviews as part of that process to find the best fit in the family environment of Liberty.
“I believe in being family-oriented,” Martin said to those in attendance.
At that point, Liberty County Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 Stephen Hebert, who is serving the city as substitute municipal judge, administered the oath to Corp. Adam McBride and Sgt. Christopher Watson, who have been promoted within the department before administering the oath to Daniel, and Officers Kyle Cornelius, Justin McGraw, Victoria Brooks, Robert Twine, Brittany Carrier, and Garland Barrett. Corp. Bertha Almazan was not in attendance.
Many of the officers were joined by family, and several had their badges pinned on by their children.
It was undoubtedly a family affair for all involved.
“We’re blessed and thankful to have them,” said Martin.