The Bellevue Police Department helped make another dream come true this weekend in partnering with the Alaska and Washington chapter of Make-A-Wish to help grant Gage Hancock-Stevens’ wish to be a police officer for a day.
Kicking off at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Gage started his weekend as a police officer – the first step of which included being picked up from his home in Everett by a police motorcade, led by Maj. John Manning.
Upon arriving at the police station, Gage took part in defensive training tactics – learning to use mace and how to handcuff the “bad guys.” He also took part in gun training, where he used a CO2 handgun and rifle to experience what it’s like to hold and use a real gun.
Before heading to lunch, Gage stopped by the department’s forensics lab where he was given a tour of the lab and shown how to process evidence.
“These are my absolute favorite wishes to grant,” said Wish Manager Jessie Elenbaas. “When they just want to be something that they wouldn’t be able to do on their own.”
Gage, whose wish list also included meeting Pearl Jam (their touring schedule didn’t allow them to participate), said his favorite part of being a police officer was learning how to use the guns.
After lunch, Gage had the opportunity to participate in a mock burglary – orchestrated by the police department at the Microsoft Security Building.
The weekend wrapped up Sunday morning when Gage was flown in by helicopter to Marymoor Park. Following the 5th Annual Walk For Wishes, Gage was sworn in as an honorary officer prior to the by Bellevue Police Chief Linda Pillo.
