The spirit of Seattle community engagement shone brightly as the Seattle Police Department (SPD) recently celebrated a young local hero, Inomar "Ino" Reyes Jr., elevating him to the honorary position of “Chief for a Day,” as reported by SPD Blotter. Ino, an 11-year-old leukemia survivor, has become a beacon of resilience and positivity within the community; his strength was acknowledged by SPD in partnership with the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission's (WSCJTC) initiative set for August 28, 2025.
Ino's journey, marked by his March 2024 leukemia diagnosis and subsequent treatment at Seattle Children’s Hospital, including his enrollment in a clinical trial, has culminated in a triumphant remission. At the heart of this celebration is a simple yet profound exclamation from the young hero himself, “I feel great!” as per the SPD Blotter. This acknowledgement does not stand in solitude; rather, it comes with a series of engagements tailored for Ino, which included, among other things, a VIP ride in a convertible during the 2025 Seafair Torchlight Parade, a comprehensive SPD tour featuring K9 and Traffic Unit Motorcycles, a family portrait at the SPD Photo Lab, and ending with an exhilarating ride with the SPD Harbor Unit.
Backed by a grant from the Seattle Police Foundation, these experiences were created not only to honor Ino’s courage but also to strengthen ties between police and community, showing the department’s commitment beyond public safety. For Ino, the highlight was “the harbor big boat,” a simple phrase that reflects a child’s joy and wonder during a day of police tradition and community outreach. With plans underway for the WSCJTC "Chief for a Day" event, the Seattle community is encouraged to stay tuned for more updates on Ino’s story as additional activities are expected.
