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Alex Hammer, who is in remission from Lymphoma, was named an honorary detective by the New York Police Department (NYPD).
Alex has been popular with emergency responders. He was recently named Washington Township’s fire chief for a day and earlier this month was the township’s police chief for a day.
Friday marked the first time in the history of the Junior Police Academy that a representative of the NYPD came to honor a child, according to Washington Township Police Lt. Rich Skinner, who helped found the initiative 17 years ago.
“Every once in a while someone in our community … deserves a special recognition,” NYPD Detective Damian Majersky said, before presenting Alex with a plaque bearing a detective shield.
Majersky told Alex he was given the honor for his strength, courage and perseverance.
Alex’s sister Alanna was also honored Friday.
“This award is for you, because you impressed me,” Lt. Skinner told Alanna as he presented her with the Junior Police Academy’s teamwork award.
Skinner said he witnessed Alanna “be the best team player that I have ever seen,” when she carried her little brother during a walk for the Tomorrow’s Children’s Fund, a non-profit created to help children with cancer and serious blood disorders.
Roughly 110 children from Washington Township, Westwood and Hillsdale graduated from the Pascack Valley Junior Police Academy Friday. They spent the week meeting members of law enforcement and learning about their work.
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