Ten-year-old Joey Stanger, who is fighting bone cancer, was sworn in as an honorary member and chief of the Cheverly Police Department on Wednesday, receiving his own badge from Police Chief David C. Morris as Mayor Micah Watson looked on. The ceremony capped a day-long gathering of law enforcement and fire agencies from across Maryland who turned out to support Joey and his family at the Prince George's County Special Operations Center.
The event brought together officers, firefighters and state troopers for a gathering supporting Joey and his family, as noted in a post by the Prince George's County Office of the Sheriff. Joey and his family met members of the public safety community and viewed specialized police and fire equipment during the visit, and Joey, who loves police and fire, also received a special police escort.
A Badge From the State, a Helmet From the Fire Department
Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Jackson personally presented Joey with an official state police badge on Tuesday during multi-agency demonstrations at the Prince George's County Special Operations Division, according to the Maryland State Police. The Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department also named Joey an honorary firefighter during the event.
The visit also included other public-safety personnel. Joey also spent time meeting members of the public safety community and viewing specialized equipment.
A Diagnosis That Upended a Family
Joey, who is fighting bone cancer, is undergoing treatment. His family is supporting him during his care.
The response also reflected the financial strain that can accompany a family's medical care.
Why Osteosarcoma Draws This Kind of Response
Osteosarcoma is a rare and serious form of bone cancer that can affect children and adolescents.
Researchers continue to study genetic risk factors in pediatric bone cancer. For a family managing Joey's illness, the disease's rarity and severity help explain why so many badges turned up in one room this week.
Cheverly Police participated in this week's gathering alongside county and state public-safety agencies, all converging on one boy's fight with a rare disease.
