TST. HERO UPDATE: JANUARY 28, 2026 — THE DAY DJ DANIEL CAPTURED THE HEARTS OF POLK COUNTY
March 28, 2025, will go down as one of the best days in the history of our agency – the day that a 13-year-old Texas boy, who we thought was fulfilling a bucket list item by visiting us, managed to bring us more joy than we believe even he experiences. Sergeant Carlton Turner, who was instrumental on the day’s success, summed it up best: “As much as we were trying to make this a special day for DJ, I think he made everyone else’s day special. I haven’t seen that many people laughing, smiling, and joking around in I don’t know how long. He was such a breath of fresh air everywhere we went.”
DJ’s day started with putting on his own custom-made PCSO uniform and brass, then heading up to Sheriff Judd’s office so the two could finally meet. Then Sheriff Judd administered the oath of office to make DJ an honorary deputy, and fitted him with his very own Grady Judd edition cowboy hat. In a room full of PCSO family members, and DJ’s own family, as well as the local media, DJ and the Sheriff cracked jokes and made us all laugh and smile. Then it was off to tour the Emergency Communications Center and have lunch at Blackburn’s BBQ, where at least 20 different patrons tried to buy lunch. DJ then visited the Sheriff’s Training Center, where he surprised a room full of cops taking a class – he insisted on hugs for everyone and let them all take photos with him. He even collected about a dozen challenge coins. Then he got to hang out with our SWAT team, shoot some guns and blow some stuff up, and visit with our Motor Unit. After that – a trip to the PCSO hangar to check out the birds.
We have made a friend for life in Theodis and DJ Daniel, and their cousins from Plant City. We hope they all come back to see us again, to fill our hearts with love, and spread joy among our troops. We love you, DJ! Keep fighting the good fight and keep making us all so proud. And keep rubbing every bald head you see! Click here to see the video of his ceremony:
