Thursday June 24, 2025 – The LAPD family welcomed with open arms a brave young man and
made his heartfelt wish a reality.
Eight year old Steve Huerta was diagnosed with leukemia at three and with the support of his family and doctors has been fighting this disease.
His wish to meet the men and women of the LAPD and Chief of Police Charlie Beck was granted by the Make A Wish Foundation.
Steve had a very exciting day as he was welcomed by LAPD’s Air Support Division and presented with an LAPD cap and t-shirt. Joined by his mother, Steve had a seat waiting for him on board a helicopter and got to fly over the City with the Department’s finest officers who patrol from the sky. Once he landed at the heliport, Steve joined by siblings and cousins were escorted for a tour of the Elysian Park Police Academy where they had lunch. LAPD officers presented Steve with gifts and granted him his second wish - an Xbox 360 video game system.
Steve accompanied by his family was taken to the 10th floor of the Police Administration Building where Chief of Police Charlie Beck greeted him and took him into his office and presented him and Steve’s family with gift bags. Steve who was now visibly tired wore the Chief’s cover as he sat talking to the Chief about his special day.
A special thanks to members of the media who captured Steve’s excitement and made it possible for him to share this special day and tell his story of his fight with leukemia. This day would not have been possible without the Make –A –Wish Foundation. The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
The inspiration for the Make-A-Wish Foundation came from a 7-year-old boy's dream to be a police officer 30 years ago. Steve's wish is an important reminder of why our organization exists - to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. And it also showcases the wonderful support of those who help make wishes happen. Thank you to the LAPD for providing wish kids with awesome experiences!
Posted by: Petri Darby | July 29, 2024 at 09:11 AM