Boy Fighting Brain Cancer Gets A Lift From Howell Police

HOWELL, NJ — A 7-year-old who has been fighting cancer for the last five years has earned his own place in the Howell Townwhip police force, and in return, a police motorcycle to call his own.

Jake Honig, who has been battling Ewing sarcoma since he was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 2, has long been fascinated with the police, Howell Township Police Chief Andrew J. Kudrick said in a post on Facebook.

Last year, Jake, whose nickname is "The Tank," visited the Howell police department last year, Kudrick said, receiving a tour and going with Detective Cpl. Mike Pavlick in a ride-along in a patrol car.

"He's a huge fan of the police," Kudrick said. "This year, we decided to visit him."

So last weekend the police department rolled up to Jake's home, bringing an armored vehicle, department K9 Opus and and full sirens going as they arrived.

Jake's tumor was treated with surgery, chemotherapy and proton therapy, according to a post telling Jake's story on the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia website. He completed treatment when he was 3 years old and has been in remission since.

Pavlick organized and coordinated the entire event, which included presenting Jake with his very own child-sized police motorcycle, complete with sirens and official Howell Police decals. Pavlick arranged the purchase of the motorcycle through the PBA, Kudrick said, assembled it and arranged for the delivery.

"(Pavlick) rallied the officers and made the presentation to Jake. He is truly committed to community," Kudrick said, invoking the department's motto.

Kudrick had equally glowing words for young Jake, whose nickname resulted from the strength with which he has fought the Ewing sarcoma, which does not usually present itself as a brain tumor, according to the CHOP site.

"(Jake) truly is an inspiration to all of us," Kudrick said. "I'm sure he has positively impacted more people in the past 5 years than most adults do in their entire life. #BeLikeJake"

The chief said there's also an application for the police for set aside for Jake when he grows up.

See the arrival of the department below.

Photos and videos courtesy of the Howell Township Police Department