(MUKILTEO, WA) On Thursday, August 16th 2018, the Mukilteo Police Department in conjunction with law enforcement agencies, the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC), hospitals, and others, will enrich the lives of children who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition. We will provide these children with a day of fun they will never forget and become a part of their precious lives. It is our mission to help these children, and their families, to forget about their illness if only for one day.
The “little Chiefs and Sheriffs” will be transported by police motorcade to the WSCJTC. In addition to each child having a hand-tailored uniform from their sponsoring agency, each child will be sworn in as “Chief” or “Sheriff” for the day by Governor or his designee. After the swearing in ceremony, the new Chiefs and Sheriffs will then experience outside presentations made by law enforcement agencies.
The Mukilteo Police Department, in partnership with the Mukilteo Police Foundation, has sponsored Macen Rettich, a fourth-grader at Endeavor Elementary School, as Mukilteo’s 2018 Chief for a Day. Macen was six years old when she was taken to the hospital after experiencing an inability to satisfy her thirst for water. There it was discovered that her blood sugar level was higher than normal and she remained hospitalized for three days. A month later she experienced a spike in her blood sugar level and was re-admitted into the hospital. This time she was diagnosed as a Type-1 Diabetic and placed on Insulin. Macen underwent training at the hospital and learned how to recognize the risks and warning signs of high and low blood sugar levels. She also learned the importance of carb-counting to maintain a stable blood sugar level and how to administer Insulin injections. She receives seven injections per day using two different types of Insulin and her blood sugar level must be monitored ten times per day. With no cure for Type-1 Diabetes, Macen will continue this regiment for the rest of her life.
“I am so excited that Macen is our honorary Chief for a Day! This awesome young lady is an example of courage and resilience that should resonate in all of us,” said Mayor Jennifer Gregerson. “This event recognizes some of the most amazing kids and their families. I am proud of our Police Department for their continued participation in the Chief for a Day program.”
Macen will be sworn in as Mukilteo’s Chief for a Day on Monday, June 4, 2018, at Mukilteo City Hall, located at 11930 Cyrus Way, Mukilteo, WA 98275, at 7:00PM.
