4-Year-Old Cancer Patient Made Honorary Policeman

The Bridgewater Township Police Department recognized its newest honorary member with proclamations from both the township and the state—and that honor went to 4-year-old Malik Campbell.

Franklin Park resident Campbell, a lover of all things police, suffers from a rare form of leukemia, and came to the attention of the police department in December.

“The program came together after our visit to St. Peter’s Medical Center before Christmas, which is something we have been doing since 2006,” said Bridgewater Township Police Chief Richard Borden. “Upon meeting Malik, it was evident he was quite enthralled with police, and any toy or replica associated with the police.”

Borden said the department, with help from the Policemen Benevolent Association, brings gifts to children in the hospital every year at Christmas.

But the members of the department saw something special in Campbell, and he was sworn in as an honorary police officer Wednesday, in addition to having the chance to ride in a police car and State Police helicopter, and take a tour of Bridgewater’s headquarters.

Campbell said his favorite part of the day was seeing the lights on the police car.

“He was overwhelmed they were doing this,” said Tony Campbell, Malik’s father, after the ceremony as his son, dressed in his own Bridgewater police uniform, was greeted by friends and family. “We didn’t know what to say, and he was so excited.”

“We lost all words, it was really heartwarming,” he added.

Borden said the department began discussing the possibility of making Campbell an honorary officer after meeting him.

“We had a long discussion with his mother regarding his condition and all the treatment that was ahead for the boy with this form of rare cancer,” Borden said. “Upon our return to headquarters, we began discussing the idea of doing something for the child and the family.”

Working with the Policemen Benevolent Association and the New Jersey State Police, they put the program together.

Bridgewater Mayor Dan Hayes presented Campbell with a proclamation during Wednesday’s ceremony, and Sen. Christopher “Kip” Bateman presented another proclamation written by the New Jersey Senate and Assembly.

Franklin Police Chief Lawrence Roberts was also on hand for the ceremony, presenting Campbell with a mug, police car toy and more.

“Malik just loves police and what they do,” Tony Campbell said.

Borden said he is also a cancer survivor, from 2000, and he understands the effects of going through this process.

“After spending several days at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital in New York City following my surgery, you learn to appreciate the simple pleasures in life,” he said. “In my short time at MSKCC, you see people of all ages battling this dreaded disease, and it has a lasting effect on your life’s perspective.”

“To watch a child battle this disease has even more of an impact because that is not how you want to view any child,” he added. “As adults, we are all cognizant of cancer, but children are far too innocent to realize the implications of this disease and should not have to experience it firsthand.”

Borden said the police department has honored citizens with awards and certificates for acts of valor, but he does not remember any time during his tenure where they have dubbed a child as an honorary police officer.

“It is our honor as a police department and my personal privilege to be able to do something positive for this child who has a long road ahead to health,” he said.