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Wednesday, April 16, 2025
By Aurora Photography & Design
Capturing a Hero’s Heart: Photographing DJ Daniel’s Record-Breaking Swearing-In Ceremony
April 15, 2025, will forever be etched in our hearts as the day we had the immense privilege of photographing 13-year-old Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, a true warrior battling terminal brain and spinal cancer, as he shattered records and stole hearts at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel. As husband-and-wife photographers behind Aurora Photography & Design, we’ve captured countless milestones, but documenting DJ’s historic swearing-in as an honorary police officer by over 200 law enforcement agencies in a single ceremony—pushing his total past 1,000 agencies—was a moment of pure magic.
DJ’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2018 and given just five months to live, this Houston native defied the odds with a spirit that radiates positivity and purpose. His dream? To become an honorary police officer in as many agencies as possible, inspired by his love for law enforcement and a desire to honor Abigail Arias, a fellow cancer fighter whose badge number, 758, set the foundation for DJ’s initial goal. By the time he arrived in St. Louis, DJ had already been sworn in by 924 agencies, including a memorable appointment as an honorary U.S. Secret Service agent by President Donald Trump on March 4, 2025.
The St. Louis ceremony, orchestrated by Major Steve Runge of the Berkeley Police Department, was a spectacle of unity and love. Over 200 agencies—ranging from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to the St. Charles County Police Department—came together to swear DJ in, setting a new record by surpassing the previous high of 68 agencies in a single event. By our count, this brought DJ’s total to an astonishing 1,124 swearing-ins, a milestone that had the room erupting in applause.
As photographers, our job is to freeze moments in time, but DJ made it easy with his boundless energy and humor. Dressed in a crisp Houston Police Department uniform, he commanded the room with a charisma far beyond his years. One of the day’s highlights was DJ’s playful obsession with rubbing the heads of bald men—a quirky tradition that left everyone in stitches. From officers to attendees, no shiny scalp was safe. Jennifer and I couldn’t stop laughing as DJ zeroed in on a hardworking bald videographer who walked into the room, oblivious to DJ’s mission. With a mischievous grin, DJ reached out to give the man’s head a rub, only to pull back with an exaggerated “eww!” as if he’d touched something slimy. The videographer, caught off guard, soon joined the laughter when he realized he’d been pranked by the star of the day.
DJ’s humor wasn’t just a side note—it was the heartbeat of the event. Whether he was cracking pizza jokes (“Too cheesy!” he quipped to a chuckling crowd) or playfully bantering with officers, his lighthearted spirit transformed a potentially heavy moment into one of celebration. Our lenses captured every smirk, every giggle, and every hug, preserving the joy that DJ so effortlessly spread.
As a husband-and-wife team, Aaron and I approach every shoot with a blend of creativity and connection. For this event, we split our duties to cover every angle. Aaron took the lead on candid moments—DJ’s fist bumps with officers, his proud father Theodis cheering him on, the sea of uniforms standing in solidarity. Jennifer, meanwhile, tackled the formal shots: DJ raising his right hand for the oath, the moment Major Runge handed him a certificate, and the group photo of agencies united for this incredible boy. One particularly poignant moment came when Michael Brown Sr., a St. Louis native and father of Michael Brown Jr. was chosen to pin the badge on DJ’s uniform—a powerful gesture that symbolized the collective honor bestowed upon him and connected two stories of resilience in the St. Louis community. The Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel’s ballroom was a whirlwind of activity, and our years of working in sync allowed us to capture both the grandeur and the intimate details.
The emotional weight of DJ’s story wasn’t lost on us. Knowing he’s undergone 13 brain surgeries and continues to fight with such grace made every click of the shutter feel sacred. Yet, DJ’s resilience kept the day from feeling somber. His mantra—“Believe in God, stay positive, be kind, and pray for kids with cancer”—echoed through his actions, and we aimed to reflect that in our images.
The ceremony was a testament to the power of community. Agencies from Missouri, Illinois, and beyond answered the call, with some submitting oaths remotely to join the record-breaking tally. The Berkeley Police Department’s GoFundMe, which raised over $6,000 to cover the Daniel family’s travel, underscored the outpouring of support. Theodis, a single father of three, shared heartfelt gratitude, inviting attendees to meet his son and witness his unstoppable spirit.
Our favorite moment to photograph? The instant DJ hit his 1,000th swearing-in. The room buzzed with anticipation as Major Runge announced the milestone, and DJ’s face lit up with a grin that could outshine the sun. We caught the tears in Theodis’s eyes, the cheers from officers, and DJ’s triumphant fist pump—a frame we know will mean the world to his family.
DJ’s journey is far from over. As he told THV11 News after becoming honorary Police Chief for the State Capitol Police in Little Rock, “After I reach 1,000, I’m just going to keep going. Like I always say, I’m going to keep on going until my gas tank runs out.” His determination inspires us all, and we’re honored to have played a small role in documenting this chapter.
At Aurora Photography & Design, we believe in capturing moments that matter. DJ Daniel’s record-breaking day was more than a photo shoot—it was a celebration of courage, community, and a boy who reminds us to live with joy, no matter the odds. We can’t wait to see where DJ’s journey takes him next, and we’ll be cheering (and maybe chuckling at his bald-head antics) every step of the way.
All images from the event will be shared with the Daniel family and participating agencies. For inquiries about our photography services, visit auroraphotodesign.com.