Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel’s mission to honor law enforcement has captured national attention. After being diagnosed with terminal cancer and given just months to live, DJ has defied the odds, joining law enforcement agencies across the country as an honorary officer. This article answers some of the most frequently asked questions about DJ’s journey, health and impact.
Who is Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel?
DJ Daniel is a teenager from Houston, Texas. After being diagnosed with brain and spinal cancer in 2018, Daniel was given 5 months to live. Ever since outliving that prognosis, Daniel has made it his goal to become an honorary police officer at as many law enforcement agencies as possible. He has been sworn into at least 1,300 agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service.
How old is DJ Daniel?
As of 2025, Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel is 13 years old. He began his journey of being sworn in as an honorary police officer at age 9 after being diagnosed with terminal brain and spinal cancer in 2018. He has survived 7 years since his cancer diagnosis, and continues to fight the disease.
Where is DJ Daniel from?
Daniel is from Houston, Texas. The first agencies he joined were smaller departments in the Houston area, before his fame grew and he joined agencies across the country.
How is DJ Daniel doing?
The White House recently shared an update on DJ’s condition, stating that he had developed three more tumors and calling for prayer on his behalf.
“He does have three new tumors,” Daniel’s father, Theodis Daniel, told FOX 7 Austin at the May 19 ceremony. “It’s rough — there isn’t a class that can teach you how to deal with it. You’re hearing that your child has a nasty disease.”
What agencies has DJ Daniel joined?
Daniel has reportedly joined more than 1,300 law enforcement agencies, according to a health update posted by the White House. In 2022, he was sworn in as an honorary officer for 53 police departments in a ceremony held at the FBI Academy, ABC News reported.
In 2025, he joined the Williamson County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Police Department, the Kemah, Texas, Police Department, ICE and the U.S. Border Patrol and the Bristol, Rhode, Island Police Department, to name a few.
The map below shows some of the areas where Daniel has joined law enforcement.
Has DJ Daniel met President Trump?
Yes, DJ Daniel met President Donald Trump in person. After being named an honorary Secret Service agent during a joint session of Congress in March 2025, he visited the Oval Office, where he gave the president “a big hug.”
Does D.J. Daniel have his own patch?
The Fraternal Order of Police recently announced a commemorative patch created in honor of DJ Daniel. Priced at $13 on Underdog Patch Design’s website, all proceeds from the patch are being donated to DJ’s family, according to the FOP. The item quickly sold out less than a day after it was announced on August 5. The design includes a cartoon depiction of DJ in uniform, with the words “Houston Police” and “Police Officer DJ Daniel” featured prominently.
