Mukilteo boy fighting cancer is made ‘Chief for a Day’

Published 11:23 pm Thursday, August 28, 2008

MUKILTEO — Dylan Redlinger has been counting the days until he would be police chief.

The 7-year-old Mukilteo boy got his long-awaited wish Thursday.

He sported a new, tailored uniform, rode in a police motorcade and was recognized by Lt. Gov. Brad Owen.

Along with 14 other children from across the state, Dylan participated in the state Criminal Justice Training Center’s “Chief for a Day” event in Burien.

Dylan and all the young police commanders, ages 3 to 11, have life-threatening illnesses.

The day is an opportunity to set their health problems aside, be regaled with pomp and circumstance and enjoy themselves, said Sonja Hirsch, who coordinated the event.

“Things like this help you forget about this stuff for a day and helps you get through the rough times,” she said.

Last September, Dylan was diagnosed with leukemia, a kind of blood cancer, said his mom, Theresa Redlinger.

He spent months bedridden after spending time at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center.

A few months ago, Dylan’s principal at Endeavor Elementary School told the family about the “Chief for a Day” event.

“He’s been looking forward to this for months,” Dylan’s mom said. “He’s been very excited.”

The day is filled with demonstrations, including a police helicopter, dogs, a SWAT team and more.

“They’ll get to engage in all of those activities,” Hirsch said.

The program, which has been held every other year since 1998, is paid for by donations. Children leave with gift baskets full of toys, gift cards and other goodies.

Brandon Brauns, 9, of Bothell, was the Snohomish County sheriff for the day.

“He’s fantastic, smart, funny,” sheriff’s spokeswoman Rebecca Hover said.

Tacoma police officer Mark Fulghum said giving the children a good time and seeing smiles on their faces had its own rewards.

“It’s a really good feeling,” he said. “It’s a great way for the child to forget about some challenges they have and relax.”

Reporter Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437 or jholtz@heraldnet.com