MARCH 2022. Blues Vol 38 No. 3

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK ON A POSITIVE NOTE 10-YEAR “DJ” DANIEL ROCKS THE COVER I’ve been told, I never have anything positive to say. All doom and gloom! So, let’s start Spring Break and our 459th issue off on a positive note. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting young 10-year-old Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel a couple of weeks ago at a swearing in ceremony at Aldine ISD. Now you would think just being sworn in as an Aldine officer would be quite a feat for a 10-year-old. But not if this is your 200th time to do so in less than six months. It’s all in a day’s work for DJ. I’m sure by now, you’ve heard of DJ’s dream to become a police officer and be sworn in by 100 police departments. But he never imagined that 100 would soon be 300. Police chiefs and departments all across the country have come together to make this young man’s dream come true. And the fact he has terminal cancer doesn’t slow him down a bit. In today’s world where police are vilified and defunded, this young boy’s ambition and drive can’t help but bring a tear to your eye. Not because you feel sorry for him, but rather because you’re so damn proud of him, you wish he were your kid. The way he handles himself, the respect he shows not only for the police chiefs in the room, but really for every soul there. And the boy’s got jokes: “Mr. Mike why did the cops arrest a duck?” “I don’t know DJ, why did the cops arrest a duck? “Cause, he was selling quack on the corner.” LOL It was an honor and a pleasure to meet you DJ and we are proud to feature you on this month’s cover. A New Partnership There are a few things that haven’t changed in our 38-year history. One, we still have War story’s, Lightbulb Awards and Rusty Barron’s Off Duty Column. We honor EVERY fallen officer regardless of how his or her life might have ended, and we have the most loyal bunch of advertising supporters anyone could ever ask for. And while several have been along for the 38-year ride, only has supported us the entire time – Alan Helman and his family at River Oaks Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Jeep. Alan and his dad before him, have always been our Number 1 supporter. Not only have they supported the magazine with advertising, but they have raised millions of dollars for law enforcement over the years. That’s why last year, we presented Alan with The BLUES’s first ever LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD. His generosity is never ending. Whether it’s for the family of a deceased officer, an officer injured in the Line of Duty or even killed in a freak accident at home. Alan is and always will be the guy that makes things happen. And not just for cops either. When a young single mom comes in to purchase her dream car and finds out she only qualifies for a used car, Alan steps up and makes it happen. No-one and I mean no-one leaves his dealership unhappy. It’s a rarity to find a car dealership so dedicated to making people happy. I say all that to announce this. Alan and his son Blake are now the named sponsor of The BLUES. Like NRG is to a stadium and Minute maid is to a ballpark. From now on, it’s the Helfman Family presents The BLUES. It’s an honor to have them take on such a supportive role in this magazine and likewise we are just as supportive of all five of their dealerships. And I say that from experience. I have probably purchased more cars in my lifetime than anyone reading this magazine. The treatment from start to finish with Alan and his son Blake is simply the best you could hope to find when purchasing a car. Be sure and tell them The BLUES sent you. So, see, not doom and gloom. Spring is in the air. Be safe and God Bless and watch over all our brothers and sisters in BLUE. 10 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE 11