Meet the newest member of the force: Milwaukee police surprise young boy fighting cancer
By Sam Schmitz
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MILWAUKEE (WISN) — There’s a new member of the Milwaukee Police Department, and he’s only 6 years old.
Leo Perez, a 6-year-old from Milwaukee, is currently fighting a rare cancer, Rhabdomyosarcoma, or RMS.
RMS is most common in children and teenagers. It typically begins in muscles used for movement. It can grow quickly and often requires extensive treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and sometimes surgery. Only a few hundred cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S., making awareness and research very important.
Leo doesn’t let any of that stop his passion for public safety. He adores Milwaukee police officers, the K-9 unit, the TEU BearCat, and of course, “Paw Patrol.”
It was an unforgettable day on Nov. 20, thanks to the Milwaukee Police Department and Milwaukee Police Association. Leo was given a large donation of toys, gear, and gifts with the theme of public safety at the MPA headquarters. He was even given his own badge.
“Seeing someone who is a bright light to them [regarding his] desires to be part of this family and seeing that this really lights up his day, what can you say more?” said Milwaukee police Chief Jeffrey Norman.
In addition to Leo’s family being there, the Milwaukee Police Department’s K-9 Unit, the Tactical Enforcement Unit’s BearCat armored rescue vehicle were also there for Leo.
“Overall, it’s so amazing that he gets this attention cause he deserves it,” said Leo’s mother, Arely Perez. “He deserves it a lot.”
“Leo’s courage and joyful spirit have inspired people across Milwaukee,” The Milwaukee Police Association wrote in a release. “The MPA wanted to bring him a day filled with excitement, kindness, and the public safety heroes he admires. This event celebrates the strong connection between Milwaukee’s officers and the young people they serve — especially those facing the toughest battles.”
Leo’s artwork was also featured on a recent ornament for the MACC Fund, which fights childhood cancer.
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