Critically Ill Boy Sworn In As Honorary Sarasota Police Officer: Watch

SARASOTA, FL — A critically ill boy visiting Florida from Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, was sworn in Monday as an honorary Sarasota police officer, Make-A-Wish Southern Florida said in a news release. (Watch a video from his visit below.)

Andrew Pickart has undergone surgery, numerous rounds of chemotherapy and other treatments for neuroblastoma. His dream was to have a beach vacation in Florida with his family.

The Make-A-Wish representatives planning the visit knew about the 4-year-old’s fascination with police and decided to make the trip extra special for him. Working with the Sarasota Police Department, they organized a VIP experience with the agency for Andrew.

The boy was sworn in as an honorary officer and received a uniform. He also met Chief Rex Troche, got a behind-the-scenes tour of police vehicles and participated in a demonstration involving K-9 dogs.

“Sometimes you take for granted where we’re at and the things that we do and then you have a little boy that kind of reminds you all the special things you do and the people that you touch and the lives that you can change,” Troche said in a video shared by the Sarasota Police Department. “And we can take an hour and a half event and change this kid’s life and give him a memory that he’s going to have for the rest of his life is just really an honor for us to do.”

Watch a video from Andrew’s visit with Sarasota police: