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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Devarjaye "DJ" Daniel is visiting the Texas State |
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Capitol on April 7, 2025, and this occasion provides a welcome |
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opportunity to recognize the passion and determination of this |
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exceptional young Texan and honorary law enforcement officer; and |
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WHEREAS, A native of the Houston area, 13-year-old DJ first |
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became interested in police work after officers assisted his family |
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during Hurricane Harvey in 2017; he was diagnosed with a rare form |
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of brain cancer the following year, and though he was told that he |
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might only have months to live, he refused to give up hope; drawing |
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strength from his religious faith, he has endured clinical trials |
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and more than a dozen rounds of brain surgery in the years since he |
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was diagnosed, and he has far exceeded his doctor's initial |
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prognosis; and |
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WHEREAS, In the course of his treatment, DJ began visiting |
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law enforcement agencies, inspired by his fellow childhood cancer |
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patient, Abigail Arias, who was appointed as an honorary officer by |
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the Freeport Police Department before her death in 2019; in memory |
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of Abigail, DJ set a goal of being sworn in as an honorary officer |
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with 758 agencies, a tribute to Abigail's badge number; he has far |
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exceeded that total and has been honored by more than 900 |
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departments around the country to date; and |
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WHEREAS, On March 4, 2025, DJ attained an even more |
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impressive designation when he became an honorary United States |
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Secret Service agent; President Donald J. Trump announced his |
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appointment during the president's joint address to Congress, with |
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DJ and his father, Theodis, in attendance; DJ plans to continue his |
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mission and hopes to set a Guinness World Record by being sworn in |
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by 1,000 agencies; and |
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WHEREAS, Through his efforts to raise awareness of childhood |
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cancer and to support law enforcement officers across the nation, |
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DJ Daniel has set an inspiring example of resilience, courage, and |
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selflessness, and the members of the Texas Senate are honored to |
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welcome him to Austin; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature |
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hereby recognize April 7, 2025, as DJ Daniel Day at the State |
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Capitol and extend to Devarjaye "DJ" Daniel heartfelt best wishes |
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for the future; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for DJ Daniel as an expression of high regard by the Texas |
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Senate. |