FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 13, 2018
All About the People: Muscogee (Creek) Citizen’s Wish of Becoming Lighthorse Police Officer was Granted with Help of MCN Lighthorse Department, Make-A-Wish Foundation
OKMULGEE, Okla. – On Nov. 7, Muscogee (Creek) Nation had the privilege to take part in turning one citizen’s dream into a realty as 14-year-old Joshua Dubois became the newest MCN Lighthorse Police Officer for the day.
The MCN Lighthorse Police Department worked closely with the national non-profit corporation, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, to prepare for Joshua’s special Wish Day at the MCN Tribal Complex.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation’s primary objective is granting the wishes of children with critical illnesses and leaving behind a positive impact on their lives long after their wish is granted.
At a young age, Joshua was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, a neurological disorder caused by a non-progressive brain injury or malformation that occurs during brain development either before, during or immediately after birth, according to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation website.
Joshua’s wish to serve the Nation as a Lighthorseman for the day began with a big welcome from MCN Principal Chief James R. Floyd, Second Chief Louis Hicks and other tribal dignitaries before he met with MCN Human Resources to become an employee and then to the police department for his uniform fitting.
Once in uniform, Joshua was officially sworn in by MCN Tribal Court Judge Greg Bigler as an official Tribal Lighthorse Officer. After taking his oath, Joshua’s older brother, Kenny, did the honors of pinning on his badge for the first time.
Before Joshua took on his new duties, he had to complete extensive police training that included K9 handling, perfecting handcuffing techniques and actually being the first Lighthorseman to train with MILO, a virtual reality system that trains in firearms.
While Joshua took a lunch break with friends and family and his fellow Lighthorsemen, a call came in of a robbery taking place at the College of the Muscogee Nation bookstore.
Joshua experienced his first call to duty and was able to apprehend the robber, complete the investigation and take the suspect on to jail at the Okmulgee County Criminal Justice Authority.
Chief Floyd, MCN Lighthorse Police Chief Robert Hawkins and Deputy Chief Daniel Wind presented Joshua with a certificate recognizing the excellent work he put in.
“He did excellent this morning,” Hawkins said. “He’s a very smart kid and picks up on things quickly. He will be dedicated when he’s given the opportunity when he’s grown to be a part of real time law enforcement.”
Joshua’s family and friends were just as happy to witness his wish come true for the day.
“This is indescribable; I can’t even begin to tell you all how much this means to Josh and to us all,” Joshua’s grandmother, Janet Watkins, said. “This is something we are going to remember the rest of our lives and to see Josh this happy when his life is filled with so much pain; it just makes me feel good and makes me really appreciate people like Creek Nation, Lighthorse and Make-A-Wish Foundation. This is a dream come true for Josh.”
Joshua’s Wish Day is a prime example of the opportunities the Nation looks forward to being a part of because it’s all about the people.
###
