By Major Steve Runge
Most cops have dreamed of wearing the badge from a very young age. For some, it might have been following in a parent’s footsteps. For others, inspiration may have come from a TV show, a School Resource Officer, a D.A.R.E. Officer, or even a chance encounter. As we all know, there’s nothing quite like chasing a dream — and then actually living it.
Becoming a police officer is Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel’s dream, and he’s always known it. However, at age 7, DJ’s life dramatically changed when he was diagnosed with brain cancer. Doctors initially gave him only five months to live. That was six years ago.
DJ and his father fought bravely through it, defying medical predictions. DJ’s determination to become a police officer grew even stronger, matched by his father’s unwavering commitment to making his son’s dream come true.
DJ’s dream has blossomed as he created his own unique path into law enforcement, beginning with honorary appointments at local police departments in Houston. Now, at age 13, his determination and his father’s tireless support have led him to acquire over 900 sworn positions as an honorary law enforcement officer nationwide. Among these honors was his appointment by President Donald J. Trump into the United States Secret Service during an address to Congress on March 4, 2024.
DJ’s most recent appointment occurred on March 17, 2025, when he became honorary Police Chief for the State Capitol Police in Little Rock. After the ceremony, DJ told THV11 News, “After I reach 1,000, I’m just going to keep going. Like I always say, I’m going to keep on going until my gas tank runs out. If you got cancer, don’t give up on life. All you got to do is pray, believe in God, and just keep that negative energy out of your mind.”
DJ’s father, Theodis Daniel, was interviewed by Little Rock’s KARK News, saying, “I know the doctors are kind of confused about how he’s able to still be around, considering he’s terminally ill. But it’s your spirit, your gas tank — your fuel. You just have to stay positive. That’s what keeps him going.”
DJ is a true miracle, and, God willing, he will make his planned visit to St. Louis this April.
DJ’s father proudly shared that DJ’s current record was being sworn in by 68 agencies during a single ceremony. But what DJ doesn’t yet know is that his visit to St. Louis will shatter that record.
Instead of DJ traveling across the country, we’re inviting agencies nationwide to come to him — at least symbolically. We’ve created a simple Oath of Office that departments can customize with their own logo and agency name. Participating agencies should email their completed oath back to the Berkeley PD. During the ceremony, DJ will recite the oath once. We’ll pause to read off each participating department’s name and conclude with DJ signing each form. We’ll return a signed copy to each agency.
Additionally, we ask that each agency mail a patch for DJ to Major Steve Runge, 8340 Frost, Berkeley, MO 63134.
This initiative doesn’t prevent anyone from inviting DJ personally anywhere in the U.S. for swearing-in ceremonies — it’s simply another way to give this remarkable young man the biggest smile imaginable during his St. Louis visit.
We’re calling on all our brothers and sisters in blue nationwide to join us. To obtain a copy of the Oath of Office, please email Major Steve Runge at wrunge@berkeleymo.us.
The ceremony is scheduled for April 15, 2025. Please submit all forms by April 8, 2025. Photos from the event will be shared with everyone involved.
We’re also requesting assistance in covering DJ’s travel expenses to St. Louis and beyond. Please visit our GoFundMe page here.
All funds raised will go directly to Theodis Daniel. Any remaining funds will support future travels and expenses as DJ continues chasing his incredible dream.
About the author
Major Steve Runge is the assistant chief of police at Berkeley Police Department in Berkeley, Missouri, where he served as the CALEA Accreditation Manager for six years. He is a 31-year law enforcement veteran, certified POST instructor and member of the St. Louis Area Major Case Squad as a homicide investigator. He has an MBA from Lindenwood University. In his spare time, he is a sportscaster and sports director for 1280 AM and 105.3 FM in the St. Louis market.