“DJ Daniel Day” Declared at the Capitol as He Nears Milestone of Being Sworn In to 1,000 Law Enforcement Agencies
AUSTIN, Texas – Speaker of the Texas House Dustin Burrows today joined House lawmakers and law enforcement agencies from around the state in honoring Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, a 13-year-old Texan battling a rare form of brain cancer. DJ has been sworn in as an honorary officer by over 920 law enforcement agencies around the world, and the House’s ceremony brought him one step closer to his goal of reaching 1,000, with over two dozen agencies in attendance to personally swear him in today.
“It was an honor to lead the Texas House today in recognizing a courageous young man who has not let his battle with cancer stand in the way of his dream to serve among our nation’s brave law enforcement officers,” said Speaker Burrows. “DJ’s bravery, humor, and determination are nothing short of inspiring, and it was a privilege to have him in the Texas House, surrounded by heroes from across the state who proudly count him among their ranks. DJ is truly a hero for us all—a shining example of what it means to live with purpose, passion, and unwavering strength.”
Today’s ceremony began with a House Resolution authored by State Representative Charlie Geren of Fort Worth, officially declaring April 7, 2025 as “DJ Daniel Day” at the Texas Capitol. Following the recognition on the House floor, DJ was sworn in as an honorary officer by Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn and Fort Worth Police Department Deputy Chief Chris Daniels.
The ceremony then moved to the north entrance of the Capitol, where officers from the Department of Public Safety awaited DJ mounted on horseback, accompanied by K9 units, and stationed on motorbikes, alongside over two dozen additional Texas law enforcement agencies who gathered to welcome DJ as an honorary officer of their departments, including:
- Addison PD
- Austin PD
- Central Texas College Police Academy
- Coryell County Sheriff’s Office
- Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office
- Granite Shoals PD
- Hays County Sheriff’s Office
- Hutto PD
- Kempner PD
- Lakeway PD
- Lampasas County Sheriff’s Office
- Lampasas Citizen Police Academy
- Lampasas PD
- Marble Falls PD
- Round Rock PD
- San Marcos PD
- State Fire Marshal
- Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
- Travis County Constable Precinct 4
- University of Texas at Austin PD
As a special tribute, Fenoglio Boot Company—represented by State Representative David Spiller—presented DJ with a pair of handcrafted Texas cowboy boots to complete his uniform.
Speaker Burrows added: “I want to thank everyone who helped make this unforgettable day possible, including the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Rangers, the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, the Texas Municipal Police Association, and all those who traveled from near and far to honor DJ and celebrate his incredible journey.”
PHOTO: Texas House of Representatives, 4/7/2025
PHOTO: Texas House of Representatives, 4/7/2025
PHOTO: Texas House of Representatives, 4/7/2025
PHOTO: Texas House of Representatives, 4/7/2025