Let’s really set the scene for this! Currently, I am one of the youngest police officers in my city. That’s a pretty big deal, right? Yeah! It’s huge and I couldn’t be prouder of myself. I am living my dream, who ever thought that I would take an oath and be sworn in as an officer, but I did. This lets you know anything is possible.
In case you didn’t already know, I have a genetic disorder called spinal muscular atrophy type ll. That means that I move around in this cool motorized wheelchair. SMA has made my life very interesting, to say the least. I have been able to do more as a child than some adults will do in a lifetime. It was always my dream to become a police officer and stop the bad guys. A family member actually posted a picture of me and Captain Malcom at Covington Police Department saw it and made me an honorary member of the force. How cool is that?
When I took my oath for office and was sworn in at City Hall, I also received the key to the City of Covington from the Mayor. I don’t know how you would feel, but I was super excited. I was getting to live my dream and people were so proud of me, especially my mom she could not stop smiling that day. Even though I was nervous about becoming an officer, I knew I was ready. God told me that I can handle anything and everything thrown my way. I even told my mom that so she would know that I would be okay. I was ready to live out my dream.
I even have my own day! Every year on December 17th, it is Morgan Steward Day. Shaquille O’Neal comes out to support me when I received the proclamation. Then, they shut the BB&T bank down for me so I can catch a thief in the vault trying to steal jewels. Pretty cool huh? I know all the Miranda rights that police officers read when someone is arrested.
As a honorary member of the police force in Covington, I am allowed to participate in a lot of the events that the force does. For example, every Christmas we do a shopping event to help kids who are less fortunate. Events like these make me happy and let me live out my dream. Not only am I a part of a team that stops bad guys, they also give back to the community and that is very important to me. We all need someone. The police are in the community to protect and serve us. They make the world a better place. I am lucky to be a part of that. The best part about being an honorary police officer is knowing that I’m making a difference, especially for children and adults like me. There are so many people in the world that don’t have the confidence or the chance to get out and pursue their dreams. I am lucky enough to live my dream and have a huge support system behind me while I do it. Like I told my mom, God told me “Morgan, you can handle this,” and I will serve as long as I can.
About Morgan Steward: Morgan is an honorary police officer for the Covington Georgia Police Department. He lives with his mother, father and two siblings. He is an active member in his community and enjoys helping others. Click here to learn more about Morgan.