Seven year old joins SWAT Team

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The Norfolk Police Department welcomed a new member to the SWAT Team on Friday, and he is only 7-years-old.

With help from a local advocacy group known as the ROC SOLID Foundation, 7-year-old Hayden Miller, who is battling cancer, went out and struck a deal with Norfolk police.

"Our primary goal and our primary outreach is to give positive change and hope to children dealing with pediatric cancer," said Eric Newman of the ROC SOLID Foundation.

"He's gone through a heck of a lot more than any of us will ever go through," said Jason Armstrong from the Norfolk Police Department.

Armstrong was the first to answer the call from ROC SOLID. He said  this request was a natural fit for the SWAT TEAM.

"He kind of characterized the spirit of what we believe in. Team and Loyalty," said Armstrong.

"This is a huge deal for him. It's like a life journey," said Miller's mother, "His sister actually is a cancer survivor as well, so for this to happen to us a second time, it's been completely devastating. It's devastating for any parent, but to have two children that have cancer is really unheard of."

Miller's mom also added that her son doesn't give up easily, "Cancer is like a nasty beast, but he's a warrior and we're going to beat this."

On Saturday, the ROC SOLID Foundation and the SWAT Team will build Hayden his own playground, modeled after a police obstacle course.