By Police1 Staff
SUGARCREEK, Pa. — The Sugarcreek Borough Police Department made a man’s dying wish to become a sworn officer come true.
On Jan. 24, Matthew Minich, 30, was sworn in as an honorary officer of the department, Explore Venango reported.
Minich’s goal is life was to have a law enforcement career. But after he was diagnosed with cancer, his dream got put on hold.
“Being an officer is something that I always wanted to do. I want to serve the people and to help protect the people and do what I can to help,” Minich said.
His cousin, Lt. Ryan Ashbaugh, realized Minich’s health was rapidly declining so he contacted the police chief to make Minich’s dream a reality.
Cheryl Minich, Matt’s mother, said he’s always wanted to be an officer.
“It was an honor to make this young man a police officer for the day and see one of his goals in life come true,” Police Chief Matthew Carlson told the publication.
Minich was able to go out and patrol with Ashbaugh after his swearing in ceremony.
“It was great having Matt ride along with me,” Ashbaugh said. “It was an honor to do, and it is something I will never forget.”