The Bridgewater Township Police Department recognized its newest honorary member with proclamations from both the township and the state—and that honor went to 4-year-old Malik Campbell.

Franklin Park resident Campbell, a lover of all things police, suffers from a rare form of leukemia, and came to the attention of the police department in December. "The program came together after our visit to St. Peter's Medical Center before Christmas, which is something we have been doing since 2006," said Bridgewater Township Police Chief Richard Borden. "Upon meeting Malik, it was evident he was quite enthralled with police, and any toy or replica associated with the police."

Borden said the department, with help from the Policemen Benevolent Association, brings gifts to children in the hospital every year at Christmas. But the members of the department saw something special in Campbell, and he was sworn in as an honorary police officer Wednesday, in addition to having the chance to ride in a police car and State Police helicopter, and take a tour of Bridgewater's headquarters.

Campbell said his favorite part of the day was seeing the lights on the police car. "He was overwhelmed they were doing this," said Tony Campbell, Malik's father, after the ceremony as his son, dressed in his own Bridgewater police uniform, was greeted by friends and family. "We didn't know what to say, and he was so excited."

"We lost all words, it was really heartwarming," he added.

Borden said the department began discussing the possibility of making Campbell an honorary officer after meeting him.

"We had a long discussion with his mother regarding his condition and all the treatment that was ahead for the boy with this form of rare cancer," Borden said. "Upon our return to headquarters, we began discussing the idea of doing something for the child and the family." Working with the Policemen Benevolent Association and the New Jersey State Police, they put the program together.