SHENANDOAH, Texas – Clear the roadways -- there was a new officer in the city of Shenandoah on Wednesday.
Chelsea Everette, 10, was named an honorary officer for the Shenandoah Police Department because of her example of courage to the community. There was the ride-along patrol complete with lights and sirens -- and so much more.
"I got to ride with one of the officers and look inside one of the ambulances," says Chelsea. "And look inside the fire truck."
The city's police officers have taken Chelsea under their wing since they heard her story last year. At the age of 9, she was diagnosed with stage 4 muscular cancer. The prognosis wasn't good but Chelsea has been a fighter every step of the way. Channel 2 was there in December when Disney characters came to sing her Christmas carols. The officers have been there as well.
"They come by and check on her," says Chelsea's mother, Michele. "We had a snowstorm for her birthday. Every single officer showed up and came to her birthday."
"So many times you see bad things," says Officer John Ferrand. "When you have somebody like Chelsea come into our police life, it's probably the most wonderful thing that's happened in the 26 years I've been a police officer."
Honors Wednesday also came from the city, with the mayor proclaiming it Chelsea Everette Day.
It's one this little hero won't soon forget.
"Thank you very much," Chelsea said to the officers. "It was really special."
Chelsea continues weekly chemotherapy treatments and is also undergoing blood transfusions, but her mother says she's doing well and her last round of chemo is scheduled for July.
