NEWS

7-year-old Rodney Burton becomes Detroit police chief for the day

After landing in a helicopter, Detroit Police Chief for the Day Rodney Burton III, 7, left, greets Police Chief James Craig in front of Public Safety Headquarters in Detroit on Aug. 24, 2016.
After landing in a helicopter, Detroit Police Chief for the Day Rodney Burton III, 7, left, greets Police Chief James Craig in front of Public Safety Headquarters in Detroit on Aug. 24, 2016.
Brandy Baker, The Detroit News
With law enforcement members lining the sidewalk in front of headquarters and a pack of media ready to cover his every move, little Chief Burton and his mom fly over the city as they approach headquarters.
With law enforcement members lining the sidewalk in front of headquarters and a pack of media ready to cover his every move, little Chief Burton and his mom fly over the city as they approach headquarters.
Brandy Baker, The Detroit News
Michigan State Police officials and troopers line the sidewalk in front of headquarters.
Michigan State Police officials and troopers line the sidewalk in front of headquarters.
Brandy Baker, The Detroit News
With mom Johnai Evans, left, at his side little chief Rodney Burton reacts after spying a throng of media and law enforcement awaiting his arrival.
With mom Johnai Evans, left, at his side little chief Rodney Burton reacts after spying a throng of media and law enforcement awaiting his arrival.
Brandy Baker, The Detroit News
Big chief and little chief meet face to face. “I want to help people and I want the city to be protected," said Rodney, who has battled sickle cell disease and Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of cancer, but dreams of being a police officer.
Big chief and little chief meet face to face. “I want to help people and I want the city to be protected," said Rodney, who has battled sickle cell disease and Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of cancer, but dreams of being a police officer.
Brandy Baker, The Detroit News
Members of the Fire Department salute the new police chief for the day.
Members of the Fire Department salute the new police chief for the day.
Brandy Baker, The Detroit News
Chief Rodney Burton inspects a Detroit Fire Department truck.
Chief Rodney Burton inspects a Detroit Fire Department truck.
Brandy Baker, The Detroit News
After a little help from a Michigan State Police trooper getting into the seat, Chief Burton checks out the view from atop one of the group's motorcycles.
After a little help from a Michigan State Police trooper getting into the seat, Chief Burton checks out the view from atop one of the group's motorcycles.
Brandy Baker, The Detroit News
Chief Burton settles in behind the wheel of a Michigan State Police motorcycle.
Chief Burton settles in behind the wheel of a Michigan State Police motorcycle.
Brandy Baker, The Detroit News
With his sewn-on police badge and orange plastic pistol, Police Chief for the Day Rodney Burton accepts a souvenir football from Michigan State Police officials.
With his sewn-on police badge and orange plastic pistol, Police Chief for the Day Rodney Burton accepts a souvenir football from Michigan State Police officials.
Brandy Baker, The Detroit News
Professing a special fondness for SWAT teams, Chief Burton tips his hat to men from the Special Response Team, left.
Professing a special fondness for SWAT teams, Chief Burton tips his hat to men from the Special Response Team, left.
Brandy Baker, The Detroit News
Upon arrival at headquarters, Chief Burton is cheered by members of the police department. A meeting with the mayor and a pizza party were also on the little chief's agenda for the day.
Upon arrival at headquarters, Chief Burton is cheered by members of the police department. A meeting with the mayor and a pizza party were also on the little chief's agenda for the day.
Brandy Baker, The Detroit News
Police Chief James Craig officially swears-in Chief Burton before Burton fielded questions from the media.  "Mom and dad, did I leave my handcuffs at home," Chief Burton asked his parents in a quiet voice after patting his pockets.
Police Chief James Craig officially swears-in Chief Burton before Burton fielded questions from the media. "Mom and dad, did I leave my handcuffs at home," Chief Burton asked his parents in a quiet voice after patting his pockets.
Brandy Baker, The Detroit News
Members of Rodney's family watch the official swearing-in. “I hope that people will see his strength and know that he’s just a small child that has been through so much,” said Burton's mom Johnai Evans, right,  “But through the grace of God, he’s able to wake up every day with a smile on his face no matter what pain he may be in.”
Members of Rodney's family watch the official swearing-in. “I hope that people will see his strength and know that he’s just a small child that has been through so much,” said Burton's mom Johnai Evans, right, “But through the grace of God, he’s able to wake up every day with a smile on his face no matter what pain he may be in.”
Brandy Baker, The Detroit News
Police Chief James Craig, left, introduces Chief Rodney Burton to high ranking members of his staff including Deputy Chief U. Renee Hall. “This is a young man who is courageous, who is suffering from an illness,” Craig said. “And to be able to give and fulfill a dream certainly brings some brightness to his life.”
Police Chief James Craig, left, introduces Chief Rodney Burton to high ranking members of his staff including Deputy Chief U. Renee Hall. “This is a young man who is courageous, who is suffering from an illness,” Craig said. “And to be able to give and fulfill a dream certainly brings some brightness to his life.”
Brandy Baker, The Detroit News