Law enforcement agencies from across Western Washington came under new management Thursday -- at least temporarily -- at the Chief for a Day ceremony.
The annual event celebrates the lives of kids with life-threatening or chronic illnesses. Departments sponsor them, providing a tailor uniform and badge.
Olympia PD brought Connor Colerick.
“I love my uniform!” he said, while outside launching air-powered rockets.
“There’s very few opportunities for guys like Connor to have good days, and this is a good day for him,” said Dep. Chief Aaron Jelcick. “…he’s having a ball.”
Families and officers gathered at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center in Burien. The kids rode in a full police motorcade from the ShoWare Center in Kent. Children ranged from ages three to 12.
Eli Hutton pursued another child in play cars, performing a mock traffic stop. Hutton's tiny police car had his name on the side.
“The first thing he said when he got out of the police car today – ‘I’ve never felt so loved,’” said Fircrest chief of police John Cheesman, holding Hutton. “It just broke my heart. You are awesome, Eli.”
“The hope is to provide these children with a day of fun they will never forget and to become a part of their precious lives,” organizers wrote. “It will be our mission to help these children, and their families, to forget about their illness if only for one day.”
Luca Keogh came with Lynnwood Police.
“We’re coming in, over,” he said, miming a walkie-talkie.
He was excited for the ceremony – but also, to meet another hero. And one that wears a very different uniform.
“Oh my God, it’s Spiderman,” Luca said.
"We've been so fortunate to get to know Luca and his family during station tours, visits during his therapy appointments, and at our community events," stated Lynnwood's Police Chief Tom Davis. "He's a little guy with a big personality that loves the police and loves Lynnwood, and we are so thrilled to have him serve as our first Little Chief."
After the ceremony, Luca got a tour of Lynnwood vehicles, and other law enforcement exhibits.
“This is my luckiest day ever,” he said.
