Boy Battling Leukemia Plays Officer, Firefighter For a Day

Alan Nguyen, 6, responded to reports of a toy thief shortly after being sworn in as a junior police officer

With help from firefighters and police officers, a 6-year-old Southern California boy battling leukemia kept the streets safe as he notched an arrest of a “toy thief” and rode along in a fire truck.

Alan Nguyen, who was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 3 years old, was sworn into the Signal Hill Police Department as part of a Make a Wish dream on Saturday.

“What a great character, what a great soul this kid has,” said Signal Hill Police Chief Michael Langston. “At 6 years old, he's already determined he wants to help people.”

Shortly after the junior officer was given a radio, badge, uniform and handcuffs, he and his veteran partner responded to reports of a bandit taking toys at a nearby Target.

Officers helped Alan investigate surveillance footage and check for clues at the store.

The investigation led Alan to a nearby park, where the pint-sized officer made the arrest of the toy thief.

As an added bonus, the rookie boy cop was even able to take home the recovered toys.

Police, firefighters and family celebrated Alan's "collar" back at the police station.

“Immediately, he was picking up on the information,” said Officer Brian Johnson, Alan's partner. “He knew what we were looking for, where we were going … it was great.”

Alan’s favorite part? “Catching bad guys,” said Alan, who prognosis after recently undergoing treatment looks good.

After the celebrating was done, he went on a ride-along with Los Angeles County firefighters for his second adventure of the day.

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