Local youth honored at upcoming Chief for a Day event
Jun. 5—"Every child selected has a unique story and letting them shine in front of their peers is heartening. It helps them understand that they are not alone in their challenges."
Warden Police Department Chief Rick Martin
EPHRATA — What happens when Grant County children, who are battling significant medical challenges, are promised a day of fun and recognition? They become honorary Chiefs for a day June 12, an exhilarating experience that leaves lasting smiles and cherished memories.
"It's all about giving the families and the children a memorable day where they can momentarily forget their medical challenges," said Grant County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman.
The "Chief for a Day" event, now in its 21st year, is set to uplift ten children from Grant County as they take center stage and assume roles typically reserved for law enforcement and fire department personnel.
Foreman has been there since the event's inception and is aware of the enormous positive impact it has on the kids.
"Seeing the excitement and happiness on their faces is heartwarming," Foreman said.
Held on June 12 at 11 a.m., this heartfelt community celebration will take place at the Grant County Courthouse, where the children, selected for their resilience and spirit, will formally be sworn in as police chiefs, fire chiefs and one will become the sheriff. The event kicks off with a motorcade that will lead the youths to the courthouse, featuring lights and sirens, aimed at introducing the Chiefs to the public in a grand fashion.
The day's festivities are designed to immerse the children fully in the roles they are stepping into. After arriving at Walmart for the presentation of badges and photographs, the Chiefs will join a parade procession, escorted by members of local law enforcement and fire departments.
Once the motorcade arrives at the courthouse, the children will be formally honored during a ceremony accompanied by the National Anthem and an invocation.
This year, several local law enforcement and fire agencies are participating. The agencies participating and their new chief are as follows: Grant County Sheriff's Office, Aiden Kane; Grant County Fire District 13, Bryan Reyes-Cervantes; Ephrata Fire, Nayelli Lopez; Ephrata Police Department, Grant Williams; Moses Lake Police Department, Hunter Kennedy; Quincy Police Department, Adam Torres; Warden Police Department, Brandon Martin Arredondo; Grant County Fire District 5, Preston Thomas; Moses Lake Fire, Adrian Aguinaga and Washington State Patrol, Elijah Basilio.
Each of the children filled out a biography for their department with questions like what the first thing they will do as chief, favorite color, favorite character or hero, hobbies and any needs the child has.
The first action as Chief for Kennedy is to see the K-9s; Torres said he will be wearing a police hat; Thomas said he will be driving the fire truck with lights and sirens and Aguinaga said he is going to see the vehicles and meet the heroes that drive them.
"Our interactions with these kids promote a connection to their community and enable them to have a fun day filled with joy," Ephrata Police Department Chief Erik Koch said.
In the spirit of community involvement, the officers choose their "Chief" based on information from local school districts that highlights deserving candidates.
"We usually work with the school district to select a child," Quincy Police Department Chief Ryan Green said. "This year, it's been rewarding to see our chosen kid excited about their role. They get to experience police vehicles and interact with officers."
The importance of this event extends beyond just the fun; it serves as a recognition that children with special needs are valued and supported within their communities. Warden Police Chief Rick Martin said.
"Every child selected has a unique story and letting them shine in front of their peers is heartening. It helps them understand that they are not alone in their challenges," Martin said.
Each of his past young chiefs has made a lasting impact on him, the adult Warden chief said, each teaching him something new. He said he has photos of him, alongside the young Warden Police Department chiefs hanging on a wall in his house.
"All of these kids are special," Martin said. "I love doing this event and I enjoy making sure the kids know they are one of a kind, because they are."
Each appointed Chief for a Day receives their own uniform and badge, along with an official oath of office conducted by Grant County Court Judges, legitimizing their honorary roles in a way that brings the children immense pride.
The event provides families with an opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime, Koch said. He also said much of the experience needs to be catered to the sensitivities of the children.
"We have to ensure that the atmosphere is comfortable since some may have sensory sensitivities, which adds another layer of complexity," Koch said.
Chief for a Day not only highlights the resilience of these children but also underscores a community rallying around its members, Foreman said.
"We hope to see everyone join us at the courthouse to witness the joy and hear the cheering from families and community members," Foreman said. "If you need something that will warm your heart and make you smile, come down for chief of the day."
Chief for a Day
Ephrata
Grant County Courthouse
June 12 at 11 a.m.
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