89R22958 CJM-D
By: Middleton, Miles S.R. No. 378
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Devarjaye "DJ" Daniel is visiting the Texas State
Capitol on April 7, 2025, and this occasion provides a welcome
opportunity to recognize the passion and determination of this
exceptional young Texan and honorary law enforcement officer; and
WHEREAS, A native of the Houston area, 13-year-old DJ first
became interested in police work after officers assisted his family
during Hurricane Harvey in 2017; he was diagnosed with a rare form
of brain cancer the following year, and though he was told that he
might only have months to live, he refused to give up hope; drawing
strength from his religious faith, he has endured clinical trials
and more than a dozen rounds of brain surgery in the years since he
was diagnosed, and he has far exceeded his doctor's initial
prognosis; and
WHEREAS, In the course of his treatment, DJ began visiting
law enforcement agencies, inspired by his fellow childhood cancer
patient, Abigail Arias, who was appointed as an honorary officer by
the Freeport Police Department before her death in 2019; in memory
of Abigail, DJ set a goal of being sworn in as an honorary officer
with 758 agencies, a tribute to Abigail's badge number; he has far
exceeded that total and has been honored by more than 900
departments around the country to date; and
WHEREAS, On March 4, 2025, DJ attained an even more
impressive designation when he became an honorary United States
Secret Service agent; President Donald J. Trump announced his
appointment during the president's joint address to Congress, with
DJ and his father, Theodis, in attendance; DJ plans to continue his
mission and hopes to set a Guinness World Record by being sworn in
by 1,000 agencies; and
WHEREAS, Through his efforts to raise awareness of childhood
cancer and to support law enforcement officers across the nation,
DJ Daniel has set an inspiring example of resilience, courage, and
selflessness, and the members of the Texas Senate are honored to
welcome him to Austin; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature
hereby recognize April 7, 2025, as DJ Daniel Day at the State
Capitol and extend to Devarjaye "DJ" Daniel heartfelt best wishes
for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for DJ Daniel as an expression of high regard by the Texas
Senate.