Associate Magazine FBINAA Q1-2023

Sherie Rebollo Unit Chief, FBI National Academy ACADEMY UPDATE

F B I N A A . O R G | Q 1 2 0 2 3

I am proud to be part of an organization that can come together with outside agencies to participate in humanitarian efforts, such as honoring the fallen, helping those in need, and other philanthropic causes. Recently, I was approached about a special request that I was excited to accommodate. On December 5, 2022, the FBI National Academy’s Session 284 welcomed and honored eleven-year-old Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel . DJ has courageously faced terminal brain and spine cancer since the age of 6. He was initially given just months to live but he continues to fight and beat the odds of his terminal diagnosis. Originally, DJ’s mission was to be sworn into 100 police departments. He has far exceeded his goal and is now a member of over 700 law enforcement agencies. The National Academy Unit and students invested countless hours working together to provide DJ with a day of lasting and encouraging memories. In the morning, DJ was driven along the Yellow Brick Road course, where he witnessed NA Session 284 students complete the grueling 6.1-mile challenge. He also received an honorary yel low brick. Later, DJ met with FBI Director Christopher Wray , who presented him with honorary special agent credentials.

After lunch, DJ was honored at a swearing-in ceremony in the auditorium with NA students and FBI personnel. During the ceremony, DJ was sworn into 52 law enforcement agencies from across the United States and one from the United Kingdom— his first international agency. He was also named an official member of the session and received an honorary plaque. The day ended with a tour of the FBI Academy and a visit with the Hostage Rescue Team . My hope is that DJ will continue to courageously fight even stronger after fulfilling his lifelong dream. He is a role model for all of us.

(R) Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel

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