Police In Illinois Send Care Package To Indiana Boy With Cancer

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — In a kind gesture, a suburban Illinois police department sent a care package to a young boy in Kokomo, Indiana who was recently diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. Jeremiah Derks, 12, has a strong interest in law enforcement and has been reaching out to police agencies and requesting patches for his collection.

Police at the Buffalo Grove Police Department in Illinois prepared a care package for Jeremiah, which included the department's patch and toys.

Jeremiah is hoping to collect hundreds of police patches from across the country. He said he dreams of being a police officer one day.

Jeremiah was diagnosed with cancer in July, and is currently undergoing chemotherapy, according to WGN.

"It's truly amazing how everyone's come together to support him," Alisha Derks, Jeremiah's mom, told WGN. "We can't be more thankful because we honestly needed the help with him to keep him upbeat and positive."

Sheriff's deputies in Howard County, Indiana, paid him a visit and even made him an honorary deputy.

Want to send Jeremiah a police patch or card? Mail the items to 229 Luke Court Kokomo, Indiana 46901.

Image courtesy of Village of Buffalo Grove.

Patch editor Amber Fisher contributed to this story.