PERKINS, Okla.- The City of Perkins welcomed a new Chief of Police last week, 8-year-old Tanner Holman.

Tanner has dreamed most of his life about being in some form of public safety position. Watching his father Brent Holman throw on his gear as a volunteer fireman in their hometown of Edmond, Oklahoma, Tanner knew that was what he was going to be when he grew up.

“He’s always gone to stuff with me, gone to the station, to inspections,” Brent said, “if he’s not in law enforcement or medical or military someday I’ll be very surprised.”

In 2013 the Holman family hit a speed bump.

Tanner was diagnosed with Pre-B ALL Leukemia, a form of cancer, and although he has been in remission for 24 months, he is still receiving treatments at the Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center.

Tanner’s dream came true when Reserve Police Officer Mike Pearson said that he, as well as the other officers at the department, wanted to put on a program that catered to children with an interest in law enforcement. 

“We sent a request to OU Children’s, very specific requests, like an interest in law enforcement and an age range,” Pearson said. “And that is how we found Tanner.”

Along with being sworn in, given a badge and pint-sized uniform, Tanner’s first order of business was to fire the previous Chief of Police Bob Ernst.

“He fired me right off the bat,” Ernst said with a laugh. “Thankfully though he hired me back on as an officer.”

When asked if he ever tires out, his parents smiled.

“Tanner is always happy-go-lucky, and he loves this opportunity,” Brent said.

“When he was sick and had the cancer, you would have never known,” said Jodi Holman, Tanner’s mother.

Ernst, who had no hard feeling about being fired, said it has been an honor to meet him and spend the day with him.

“Well, it’s awesome to give back and to give this boy that’s been through so much such a special day.”

Ernst said it has been a good day for Tanner’s family as well.

“After speaking with his family, who kept saying when we got diagnosed, you realize cancer affects the whole family and it’s been a great day for all of them as well to see him so happy,” Ernst said.

“Having him around really puts our problems into perspective. It’s been really neat, Sheriff Hauf and Director McNickle with the Stillwater PD have gone out of their way to help him, it’s been great.”

Investigator and School Resource Officer Charles Danker said, “I’m just glad he’s enjoying his day. He’s spent a little part of his day with each of the officers and we’ve gotten to know him just as much as he’s gotten to know us.”

Tanner went home in his uniform and badge in the motorcade with a smile on his face.

“When he got diagnosed with Leukemia it kind of set us back a little bit,” Brent said. “And for a community to do this, especially one we aren’t a part of, but we are now, it’s really amazing as parents to see that people care.”

Cole writes for The (Stillwater) News Press