The teen is traveling nationwide to be sworn in by as many law enforcement agencies as he can, while bringing awareness to pediatric cancer.
Kierra Reed
Gadsden County News ServiceThe Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners has officially proclaimed July 29, 2025, as “Honorary Gadsden County Sheriff Deputy Devarjaye ‘DJ’ Daniel Day.”
The proclamation ceremony took place at West Farms in Quincy, where county commissioners, deputies, and local officials gathered to recognize 13-year-old Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel of Houston, Texas. DJ has been battling brain and spinal cancer for six years and is currently receiving experimental treatment under the Right to Try Act.
“It’s a highlight because it’s giving other children hope and inspiring all of us to do better,” said Brenda Holt, Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners. “He’s such a courageous young man. He’s like a breath of fresh air, and he’s also a comedian.”
On May 7, 2025, DJ was sworn in as an honorary deputy by Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young. As of July 25, DJ has been sworn in by approximately 3,100 law enforcement agencies nationwide and internationally — including the White House and agencies in Italy — as part of his mission to raise awareness for pediatric cancer and honor children facing similar diagnoses.
During the event, the Grady County Sheriff’s Office also swore him in, and was the first Georgia agency to do so.
The effort to honor DJ in Gadsden County was initiated by the West Family of West Family Farms. The family contacted the Board of County Commissioners to ask if the county would participate in recognizing DJ during his visit.
Aside from being honored from all over, one of the significant things DJ holds dear to him is spending time with his father, Theodis Daniels.
His father, who has been by his side throughout his treatment and travels, attended the event with him.
“Hopefully, everybody can see there’s nothing that you can’t overcome,” said Theodis Daniels. “I don’t care what’s happening, what’s going on. It’s only bad if you’re making it.”
According to the Gadsden County proclamation, DJ was honored for his “remarkable courage and mission to raise awareness for pediatric cancer.”
DJ, whose personal motto is “I’m going to keep on going until my gas tank runs out,” said he only has a few rules for what he expects to happen on his day.
“Having a bad day, you need a hug, all you got to do is just come to me,” DJ expressed. “I don’t bite at all.”
