Call the cops: 3-year-old steals hearts of Rowlett police officers
Posted on 02/05/2003 5:58:50 AM PST by MeekOneGOP
Call the cops: 3-year-old steals hearts of Rowlett police officers
Parents say visits to department have aided boy's cancer recovery
02/05/2003
Meeting William Grant Swoger has been a honey of a deal for the Rowlett Police Department - and especially for Officer Amy Sifuentes, whom the 3-year-old cancer survivor calls his "Honey Cop."
"The first time we met, he called me Honey," Officer Sifuentes said. "His mother told me not to worry about it because he called his nurse in the hospital Honey Doc. And he is now calling those in dispatch his Phone Honey."
The situation wasn't always so sweet. A year ago, the Rowlett youngster was battling Burkitt's lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
"His blood count was really low ... and he couldn't go outside and do things in the public," said his mother, Shannon Swoger.
To make matters worse, hair loss and other effects of chemotherapy were keeping Grant from playing with other children.
"He was trying to defeat loneliness," said the boy's dad, Rick Swoger.
Mrs. Swoger noticed that whenever the family passed the Rowlett police station on Rowlett Road, Grant was fascinated by the squad cars. But he was too ill to visit the station.
"One day I called ... and asked if an officer could come by and see him," Mrs. Swoger said.
It was one of the more unusual calls for help to the Rowlett Police Department, and one that has resulted in the most mutual happiness.
Officer Sifuentes' first visit to the boy in March has led to a lasting relationship.
For Grant, "being with the officers from the Rowlett Police Department perked him up," Mr. Swoger said.
For the officers, having Grant around has provided a different perspective on their work.
"It helps us to realize that the community aspect is as much a part of our job [as] anything else," Officer Sifuentes said. "He can certainly change the atmosphere around here."
The police station has become virtually a second home for Grant. He's there at least two days a week, and when he's away, it's common for officers to visit him at home.
And soon, officers say, the department's Web site, www. rowlettpolice.org, will have a picture depicting Grant as honorary chief.
"He is just a joy to be around," said Officer Evan Thomas. "We stop by his home whenever we can. It is definitely worth the time when you see the look on his face when he smiles."
During a recent visit to the station, Grant wore a uniform the officers had given him for Christmas. He walked through the front doors as if he were late for roll call, then marched up the stairs to Chief Reece Daniel's office. After several minutes behind the glass doors, he came out wearing a British bobby hat.
"When Grant is here, everything stops," said Officer Jeff Freeman. "He changes everything. You have to see what he's doing."
On this day, that was whatever he wanted to do.
After talking with several officers in the briefing room, Grant headed downstairs to his favorite place at the station: the lot where the squad cars are parked.
"I want that one," he said, pointing to the department's sporty "fast car."
After a whirl around the parking lot, he jumped into a more traditional squad car with Officer Sifuentes.
Mrs. Swoger said the department's support has been powerful medicine.
"The time he spends up here has just meant the world to him," she said. "Doctors originally said that he was going to have to receive continued treatment. But after five months, doctors said his cancer went into remission in November. I know that this has been the biggest part of his recovery."
Chief Daniel said it is the department that has benefited most.
"He is such a positive influence for the officers," he said. "His family loves our department, but in reality, we get more from the relationship than they do."
Mr. Swoger said Grant is an inspiration to his own family as well as the officers.
"Every day I look at him before I leave the house," he said, "and it reminds me of a prayer answered."
This story also appears in the Rockwall-Rowlett Morning News.
E-mail sterry@dallasnews.com
"I want that one," he said, pointing to the department's sporty "fast car."
After a whirl around the parking lot, he jumped into a more traditional squad car with Officer Sifuentes.
I have seen a Rowlett PD Corvette a couple of times. I bet that's the one they're talking about.
The picture of Grant is not on their website yet. I'll try to monitor it and post it here when it's up.
They are currently working a murder case in which they have a 10 page confession. The guy killed a doughnut delivery lady and threw her in the garbage can. She was still moving when he pitched her body in too. Can you believe it? He's up on capital murder charges. Texas justice will be done, too, I bet...
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