13-Year-Old D.J. Daniel Sworn In As Honorary DEA Special Agent
DEA Headquarters
Over the past several months, 13-year-old Devarjaye “D.J.” Daniel and his father, Theodis, have traveled the United States fulfilling the teenager’s wish of being sworn into 1000 law enforcement agencies. D.J. has surpassed that goal, but his energy and passion show no signs of slowing down.
On Friday, April 18, 2025, Acting Administrator Derek S. Maltz swore D.J. in as an honorary U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent, marking the 1,259th law enforcement agency to swear him in.
Last week, 203 police departments swore him in during a ceremony in St. Louis, Missouri, which helped him crush his goal, and the Guiness Book of World Records’ previous record.
D.J. ended the week with a visit to DEA Headquarters in Arlington, VA, and the DEA Training Academy at Quantico. D.J.’s day began with a welcome from Basic Agent Class (BAT) 254 and Special Agent in Charge of Training Michael Barbuti. D.J. then jumped into action busting down doors and suiting up for hazardous conditions.
From hazardous materials to chemicals, D.J. toured the DEA Forensic Science Laboratory where he learned about chemical reactions by creating elephant paste and slime during a hands-on demonstration.
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During the class’s Guidon Ceremony—a longstanding DEA tradition—he witnessed the dedication of the class to Special Agent Thomas Byrne, who was killed in the line of duty and had served in DEA Houston Field Division, making for a particularly meaningful moment in D.J.’s journey.
Later that day, D.J. traveled to DEA Headquarters where the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and Loudoun County Fire and Rescue presented the colors to open the special swearing-in ceremony. Acting Administrator Maltz had the honor of administering the oath in front of a standing room only crowd, officially welcoming D.J. into the DEA family.
In a touching tribute, AA Maltz told D.J. that he also started his law enforcement career when he was thirteen – he said his father, who was also a DEA Agent, would take him out on the job with him, which is what made him fall in love with the agency. To honor that connection, AA Maltz presented D.J. with a plaque that his father had once given him, along with a handwritten note on the back.
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Following the ceremony, D.J. headed to the DEA studios to share an important message - One Pill Can Kill, but Your Voice Can Save a Life. DJ then toured the DEA Museum before departing for home.
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It was a day filled with purpose, pride and inspiration—and another remarkable milestone for D.J. as he continues to stand alongside DEA and the law enforcement to spread hope and inspiration across the country.
D.J. was diagnosed with brain and spinal cancer in 2018 and given just months to live. D.J. has fought and, after 13 surgeries, he is a strong, confident, inspirational teenager who brings joy to all the people and police departments he visits.
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The 13-year-old Houston, TX native was thrust into the public spotlight in March when President Trump introduced him during his joint address to Congress and had him sworn in as an honorary member of the U.S. Secret Service. The shock on D.J.’s face, once he realized what was happening and the sheer joy, he showed in that moment resulted in a massive outpouring of support from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across the country.
D.J.’s inspiration for this bucket list item? Three police officers who came to his family’s rescue during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. D.J. recalls, “they helped us, so I wanted to help other people.”
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D.J. is no stranger to DEA. Special Agent Sammy Parks from DEA Houston met D.J. three years ago and has developed a close personal relationship with the entire Daniel family. SA Parks has been instrumental in helping D.J. with his quest to be sworn into thousands of law enforcement agencies throughout the country.
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Full of dad jokes, hugs, head rubs, and handshakes; D.J. plans to continue his mission until he is no longer physically able. It was an honor for the men and women of DEA to share this day with D.J. and his family, and we proudly welcome DEA’s youngest Honorary Special Agent to our family.
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