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On this page you'll find all of our stories on the city of Detroit.Suggest a story here and follow our podcast here.

Fourth grader sworn in as Detroit Police Chief for the day

Detroit's Police Chief for the day is nine year old Jayvon Felton - a fourth grader who is fighting leukemia, but one day hopes to fight crime as a Detroit Police Officer.

This morning Jayvon made his way to work by helicopter, taking a ride from Coleman A. Young International Airport, over Belle Isle, Comerica Park and the Ambassador Bridge. Upon his arrival, he was greeted by a group of Detroit Police Officers, Felton's classmates from Roberto Clemente Academy, and Detroit Police Chief James Craig.

After being sworn into office, the new nine year old Chief's first order of business was a pizza party. 

According to theDetroit Free Press, Police Chief Craig said,

It is with this fortitude and courage humbles even the most hardened police officers, and reminds us why we do what we do every day, and how important every precious moment is.

Jayvon's leukemia was discovered in April, but despite the troubling prognosis, his future looks bright. He should be able to return to school next year, and thanks to donations from corporate and non-profit groups, "Police Chief" can be added to his resume. 

Jayvon's mother, Amanda Clinkscales, thanked those involved. From the Detroit News:

"Thank you to everyone for making this a very happy day. About a week ago we were crying together because he said he just wanted to be a regular boy again."

But today Jayvon is anything but a regular boy - he's the Police Chief of the city of Detroit. 

-Paige Pfleger, Michigan Radio Newsroom

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