Sheriff’s deputies in Palmdale surprised a terminally ill teen with the honor of being a "deputy sheriff for the day" on Monday.
Eighteen-year-old Allan Gonzalez has leukemia, and doctors say he has a month or so to live. His brother Emilio Suarez made arrangements with the LA County Sheriff’s Department to bestow this honor upon Gonzalez, who himself aspires to be an officer.
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"A lot of people sometimes don’t understand the law enforcement – they’re here to help. A lot of people, they don’t like the police. I like the police, they do what they have to do, this is their job," Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez was surprised by the honor. He thought he was just going to the Palmdale sheriff’s station for a tour.
He had no idea he’d become a honorary deputy, a role that includes riding along with an outstanding sheriff’s deputy, getting a full tour of the operation, familiarizing oneself with the equipment, and getting a good understanding of what the Sheriff’s Department does on a day to day basis.
When asked what inspired him to want to pursue law enforcement, Gonzalez smiled and said, "a lot of cop shows."
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Gonzalez was diagnosed with leukemia last March. Despite the illness, Gonzalez is optimistic.
"I’m 80 percent stronger than I was before," Gonzales said. "I stay strong. I never think negative, only positive. I just roll with what I have."
