8-Year-Old Joey Fabus Sworn In As Police Officer: The Reason Will Move You To Tears

At eight years old, Joey Fabus already knows what he wants to do with his life: become a police officer. After all, there’s a history of it in his family.

Among those with roots in some type of law enforcement, Joey’s godfather works for the Pittsburgh Police Department and his 20-year-old sister Clarissa is part of the Air National Guard.

On Tuesday, thanks to the community of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, he got his wish earlier than most as the town’s police department swore him in, making him the youngest law enforcement officer in local history (and, perhaps, of all time).

But unfortunately, Joey only has six months to one year to live.

Doctors diagnosed the young man with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, an aggressive and inoperable brain tumor, less than two months ago, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

If “Officer Fabus” is supposed to feel somber about that, however, no one told him as he grinned through his swearing-in ceremony, mouthing the words: “I hereby do solemnly swear that I will support, obey, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

Joey wore a custom-made uniform for the ceremony, which was overseen by District Judge Ronald Arnoni. He was accompanied by his partner, Officer Tom Rigatti, who later joined him for patrol.

Fabus was also issued a “citation” and town mayor Jack Allen proclaimed it “Joey Fabus Day.”

From the Post-Gazette:

The event was the latest example of the Bethel Park community rallying around Joey and his family as they fight the disease.

A golf tournament on Sunday drew more than 140 participants. A concert is planned for July 19.

All of the benefits will go to “Little Joey’s Army,” a fund established to help cover health care costs and related expenses.

Back to Joey’s duties, though. According to WPXI.com, there was nothing at all ceremonial about the young officer’s day on the job.

While at work, he pulled over a car, wrote a ticket, testified in court, and performed a security walk-through, the site notes.

While we always like to hear about people stepping up and doing decent things like this for kids like Joey Fabus, it always breaks the heart to hear that a little one’s time on earth is short.

The gesture at Bethel Park is reminiscent of the WWE’s tribute to Connor the Crusher, a big wrestling fan who was given red-carpet treatment during WrestleMania XXX weekend.

Connor ended his battle with cancer earlier this year. We wish a better outcome for Joey Fabus and family.