April Fool’s Day is known for the jokes, pranks, and phony tales, but today was no tall tale for Brandon Benavides as he was the Dallas Police Department’s Chief of Police for the Day. Brandon is a 15-year-old sophomore, diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Hospital staff told his family to prepare for the worst, and asked Brandon if he could have one wish, what would it be. Simple stated, to meet a police officer.

In an effort to grant their baby boy’s wish, his parents contacted Officer Juan Fernandez, #9285, of the Northwest Neighborhood Police Unit, and Brandon’s dream became a reality. Brandon didn’t meet just a police officer, he became one! Dallas’ top cop: Chief Brandon Benavides. 

In addition to meeting and spending time with Chief Eddie Garcia, Chief Benavides’ day consisted of a command staff meeting and receiving an all-inclusive tour of some of the department’s operational units including SWAT, mounted, canine and motorcycles.  “Since I was little boy, I’ve always been a fan of emergency services and police officers,” said Chief Benavides. “I want to be a police officer to keep the community safe and stop the crime in Dallas.”

Despite doctors’ less than favorable prognosis, Chief for the Day Benavides is winning the fight for his life.