I wish to be a Muscogee (Creek) Nation (MCN) Lighthorse Police Officer
Joshua
14
nervous system disorder
Joshua's Heroic Wish to be a Police Officer
At a young age, Joshua was diagnosed with a nervous system disorder, but he didn't let that stop him from wanting to "catch bad guys". Joshua’s wish to serve as a Lighthorseman for the day began with a big welcome from MCN Principal Chief James R. Floyd, Second Chief Louis Hicks and other tribal dignitaries before he met with MCN Human Resources to become an employee and then to the police department for his uniform fitting.
Once in uniform, Joshua was officially sworn in by MCN Tribal Court Judge Greg Bigler as an official Tribal Lighthorse Officer. After taking his oath, Joshua’s older brother, Kenny, did the honors of pinning on his badge for the first time.
Before Joshua took on his new duties, he had to complete extensive police training that included K9 handling, perfecting handcuffing techniques and actually being the first Lighthorseman to train with MILO, a virtual reality system that trains in firearms.
While Joshua took a lunch break with friends and family and his fellow Lighthorsemen, a call came in of a robbery taking place at the College of the Muscogee Nation bookstore.
Joshua experienced his first call to duty and was able to apprehend the robber, complete the investigation and take the suspect on to jail at the Okmulgee County Criminal Justice Authority.
Chief Floyd, MCN Lighthorse Police Chief Robert Hawkins and Deputy Chief Daniel Wind presented Joshua with a certificate recognizing the excellent work he put in.
“He the whole day,” Hawkins said. “He’s a very smart kid and picks up on things quickly. He will be dedicated when he’s given the opportunity when he’s grown to be a part of real time law enforcement.”
Joshua’s family and friends were just as happy to witness his wish come true for the day.
“This is indescribable; I can’t even begin to tell you all how much this means to Josh and to us all,” Joshua’s grandmother, Janet Watkins, said. “This is something we are going to remember the rest of our lives and to see Josh this happy when his life is filled with so much pain; it just makes me feel good and makes me really appreciate people like Creek Nation, Lighthorse and Make-A-Wish Foundation. This is a dream come true for Josh.”
Thank you to all those who made the impossible possible for Joshua on his wish day!
