Zach Cesar named honorary Police Chief for a Day in Snoqualmie

Published 8:30 am Friday, April 22, 2016

The Snoqualmie Police Department has selected 7-year-old Zach Cezar as honorary police chief for a day.

Chief for a Day is a statewide event to recognize children who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening or chronic illness. The all-day event will take place on Thursday, Aug. 18, at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) in Burien.

The Snoqualmie Police Department will present Zach with a hand-tailored uniform, police badge and a gift basket for the family. He will then be transported to the WSCJTC in a police car. All of the children chosen statewide will be sworn in as chiefs, have lunch, and participate in an outdoor presentation, which includes SWAT, motorcycle units, Fish and Wildlife, K-9 and rifle units.

Zach has optic pathway glioma, a slow-growing tumor that arises in or around the optic nerve. As the tumor progresses, it presses the optic nerve, causing vision to worsen or blindness. Treatment can include surgery, chemotherapy radiation, or alternative medicines. Since gliomas often resurface, multiple follow up MRI scan visits are necessary to monitor if it has returned.

The Snoqualmie department would like to help the Cezar family by asking for the community’s help to meet a donation goal of $5,000. Donations can be made until Wednesday, Aug. 10, at the police Station, 34825 S.E. Douglas St.

Prior to Chief for a Day, a special ceremony will be held at City Council Meeting, at which Mayor Larson will administer the oath of office to swear in Zach as the honorary chief with a certificate and badge. The ceremony will be on Monday, July 11, at 7 p.m., Snoqualmie City Hall, 38624 S.E. River St.

For more information or to donate, contact Deanna Mihelich, dmihelich@ci.snoqualmie.wa.us or (425) 888-3333.