4-year-old joins West Fargo police force

WEST FARGO, N.D. — Kajj was right at home with the West Fargo Police Department Thursday.

Proudly donning his own badge and uniform, the 4-year-old Make-A-Wish recipient beamed as he listened to what would be in store for him during his day as a sworn officer of the law.

Kajj — which stands for Kenneth Anthony Johnson, Jr. — assisted officers on patrol in a squad car, participated in a mock arrest and even had the chance to patrol West Fargo from the air in a helicopter.

The gift from the Make-A-Wish Foundation allowed Kajj to fulfill his dream, only months after fighting off a life-threatening tumor.

Kajj is in remission from a stage-5 Wilms tumor his mother found in his neck just more than a year ago.

Doctors had to remove Kajj’s right kidney. Despite functioning at 50 percent, Kajj’s left kidney has been strong enough to support the 4-year-old without him needing dialyses treatments.

Watching the shock and joy on her son’s face Thursday, Kajj’s mom Alitta Reidhammer said the Make-A-Wish opportunity meant the world to Kajj, who’s fascinated by police officers.

“Any time we’re out driving around and he sees a police car, he tells me to pull over and says, ‘I want to ask them a question!’” Reidhammer recalled with a smile. “I’m hoping this will change his life.”

West Fargo Police Chief Arland Rasmussen said his entire department eagerly pitched in to make Thursday a special day for their honorary officer.

“When people say they want to be a police officer, it’s because they want to help people — so this is exactly what we do,” Rasmussen said. “It’s a fun event and we’re doing a good deed.”

Kristen Daum is a reporter

at The Forum of Fargo-

Moorhead, which is owned by Forum Communications Co.

Tags: law enforcement, make a wish, news, fargo