6-Year-Old 'Honorary Chicago Police Officer' Dies of Cancer

CHICAGO, IL -- The 6-year-old cancer patient whose dying wish was to become a Chicago police officer succumbed to her illness on Sunday.

Madison Pruitt was battling a rare form of childhood muscular cancer. Interim Superintendent Eddie Johnson along with dozens of officers from the 6th District visited Madison’s home last Wednesday and made her an honorary Chicago police officer.

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CPD announced Madison’s death on the police Facebook page:

“Honorary Chicago Police Officer Madison Pruitt succumbed to her illness yesterday. CPD sends out deepest condolences to her family.”

The South Side girl was too ill to go on a tour of her neighborhood police station and watch a police roll call in her honor. Instead, the officers took the roll call to her. She was given a Chicago police cap and an active police lieutenant, who wished to remain anonymous, presented Madison with a medal he received for valor.

Family members said Madison’s nickname was “Bossy Mama.” She lived with her grandmother and had been battling rhabdomyosarcoma, which primarily affects children under 21. After being in remission for a time, the cancer came back last Thanksgiving.

Johnson called Madison his “hero.”

"It’s just amazing the courage she’s showing today," Johnson told NBC Chicago. "That gives us pause to think about our own mortality and families. That’s the reason we do what we do."

Madison’s grandmother, Pamlor Nelson, said her granddaughter wanted to be police officer so she could “protect people.”

Chicago Police officers from the 6th District visited 6-year-old Madison Pruitt at her grandmother's South Side home last week. Madison passed away from cancer on Sunday after being made an honorary Chicago police officer. Photos via CPD Facebook.