The York County Police Department’s newest officer, Landen Baer, might be a bit young, but what he lacks in age, he makes up for in passion.
Although they don’t normally allow children to join the force, an exception was made with the help of Make-A-Wish. At just 8 years old, Landen has been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer.
Battling the disease hasn’t been easy, but the news that he would be getting sworn in as a police officer had this sweet little boy feeling on top of the world.
“It means the world to him,” his mom said. “He’s been talking about it for weeks.”
When the day he’d been waiting for finally arrived, Landen was dressed from head to toe in uniform, badge and all. The district justice administered the oath to officially swear him in, and the people who’d gathered to watch his big moment all cheered and clapped in celebration!
Immediately after, though, it was time to get down to business. It may have been Landen’s first day on the job, but he had a busy shift ahead of him.
“Somebody stole some property,” another officer told Landen, “and we’re going to need your help to catch the bad guy.”
With handcuffs at the ready, Officer Landen and his partner went outside in search of the culprit, who, despite their best efforts, weren’t able to slip away from this brilliant 8-year-old.
“Put your hands behind your back,” Officer Landen said. “You’re under arrest.”
In addition to sitting in the cockpit of the state police helicopter, days later, Landen was treated to a ride on a firetruck and even got the opportunity to be in a parade!
As incredible as these perks have been, when his mom thought about what drives Landen to pursue his dream the most, the simple answer couldn’t have been more wholesome.
“He’s such a sweet little boy,” his mom said, “and he wants nothing more than to help people.”
Watch Officer Landen in action in the video below, and don’t forget to share this story.
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