Chief For A Day

Photos courtesy Washington State Patrol

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste handed over his title to Carlos, 10, and Angel, 11, Callejas on Thursday (Aug. 18) as part of the Washington State Criminal Justice Center’s “Chief for a Day” event. On Thursday, dozens of law enforcement agencies from around the state swore in “Little Chiefs” to “run” their agency for the entire day at the center in Burien. The event was sponsored by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission and designed to celebrate the lives of children who have been diagnosed with a life threatening medical condition or chronic illness. Both Carlos and Angel have cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that makes it difficult for the heart muscle to deliver blood to the body. Angel, whose dream is to be a police officer one day, just completed his second heart transplant a few months ago. Although their title as WSP “Chief” is just an honorary one, Carlos and Angel got to ride in a police motorcade and were even given their own “Chief” badges by Chief Batiste. Following in the swearing in ceremony, they enjoyed the afternoon playing with K9s, checking out SWAT vehicles, and watching dozens of other law enforcement presentations/demonstrations. Sergeant Sharif, who coordinated the WSP’s involvement, said:
“All the hard work of planning paid off when we saw the joy on those boys’ faces. It was an honor to be part of the event and it’s incredible to know the connection between the Washington State Patrol and the family will go beyond just today.”
Click images to see larger versions/slideshow: Chief For A DayChief For A DayChief For A DayChief For A DayChief For A DayChief For A DayChief For A DayChief For A DayChief For A Day To learn more about Carlos and Angel, please visit http://bit.ly/2box5Dv]]>

Since 2007, The B-Town Blog is Burien’s multiple award-winning hyperlocal news/events website dedicated to independent journalism.