Geddes (WSYR-TV) - Law Enforcement Day at the New York State Fair was very special for the Syracuse Police Department as it welcomed its newest – and youngest - recruit as 8-year-old CJ Mills was sworn in.
The Make-a-Wish Foundation granted the young boy’s wish to become a police officer.
For his first day on the job, Syracuse’s newest cop was escorted to Syracuse Police Headquarters downtown with lights and sirens.
Standing at attention before his new boss – Police Chief Frank Fowler – CJ took the oath to serve and protect.
And it didn’t take long for CJ to start fighting crime as he was called to lead the SWAT team in an intense hostage situation. During the “incident,” CJ rescued hostages and then returned for the suspect.
The 8-year-old boy is used to being brave – he’s battling sickle cell anemia.
He says he’s always wanted to be a police officer, for the same reasons many young men wish for a life behind the badge.
“They put their lights on…and they go fast,” he said.
His parents were overjoyed by the event.
“It’s overwhelming, this is the first time I've seen him in this little suit. I'm so overwhelmed, it makes me so happy,” said Cleotis Mills, the boy’s father.
Frank Fowler was also overwhelmed by the event.
“There are some defining moments in everyone's life, where you experience something. Today was one of those days for me, this is one of those stories -- this is one of the greatest moments as the chief of police for me,” Fowler said.
CJ’s special day coincided with an event that’s important to all cops across the state. The Fair set aside Friday as Law Enforcement Day, in which police from all agencies are honored.
