Step aside, Bellevue Police Department, this weekend there will be a new super cop in town. His name is Gage Hancock-Stevens, and he’s only 13 years old.
This weekend the Alaska and Washington chapter of Make-A-Wish, in partnership with the Bellevue Police Department and the Bellevue City Center Microsoft Building Security, will grant Gage’s wish to be a police officer for the day.
Sponsored by Expedia, Gage’s wish fulfillment will take place over two days (Sept. 22 and 23), at different locations around the Eastside, culminating in his swearing in, at the Walk for Wishes 5K at Marymoor Park on Sunday.
On Saturday, Gage will have the opportunity to take part in a number of activities experienced by real rookie cops. In addition to getting his own uniform and police equipment, Gage will work with officers in the Defensive Tactics room, interact with K-9s, visit a real crime lab, and help take down the bad guys in a mock burglary at the Microsoft building.
Gage will then return to the headquarters where he will be given an exclusive equipment tour of the Bomb Squad and SWAT team gear.
Following a night of VIP treatment at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue hotel, Gage will head to Marymoor via a police motorcade – complete with SWAT vehicles and patrol cars – where he will be inducted as an honorary officer.
The induction will include a salute by the Bellevue Police Department Honor Guard, remarks by Maj. John Manning of the Bellevue Police Department and Chief of Police Linda Pillo.
“Being able to participate in Gage’s wish is an absolute honor,” said Manning, who has played an integral part in planning the activities, and will be accompanying Gage and his family throughout the weekend.
“His dream of being a police officer is a reminder to all of us who choose to serve our city, that this job is not just an occupation. It is a chance that few people get, to help and protect the citizens and community we love so much.”
Gage, who is from Everett, is battling an optic glioma brain tumor. The Make-A-Wish organization was founded after another child, Chris Greicius, realized his wish to be a police officer for the day in 1980.
