NH police chief makes touching tribute to Dorian Murray, the boy behind #dstrong
The Rhode Island boy who garnered international support after being diagnosed with a rare, untreatable cancer just wanted to be famous before he died—and the Manchester, New Hampshire, Police Department wanted to help.
Unfortunately, the department never got the chance.
Dorian Murray died Tuesday evening at the age of 8.
The department was planning to make Murray “Chief of Police’’ for a day, and had already made him a custom shield for his big day. As a tribute, Chief of Police Nick Willard wore Murray’s badge Wednesday, carrying with him Dorian’s official Manchester Police ID card and his name plate.
[fragment number=0]
Dorian’s shield was officially retired at the end of the chief’s shift.
[fragment number=1]
Dorian’s tag will placed in the chief’s office, according to a department Facebook post.
Dorian was diagnosed with a rare cancer when he was 4 years old. His parents announced on New Year’s Day that the cancer had spread to his spine and brain. That’s when his family chose to stop treatment and “enjoy the time left.’’
Shortly after, the Rhode Island Assembly announced that January 20 would be “DStrong Day.’’ Dorian was a guest in both the state House and Senate chambers for the reading of the proclamation.
Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski visited Dorian in January and signed a football for him. In January, more than 2,500 people gathered on Misquamicut Beach to spell out “#D-Strong’’ in the sand. Similar tributes were seen around the world.
The family announced Tuesday morning the creation of a foundation in Dorian’s honor benefitting pediatric cancer research and support groups.
’’Dorian and I are beyond proud to announce the birth of the Dorian J. Murray Foundation,’’ the post reads. “This non-profit (status pending) foundation will be Dorian’s legacy, keeping his name and the #dstrong movement alive forever.’’[fragment number=2]
[fragment number=3]
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com