A very special guest will be attending the 57th Annual West Virginia Oil & Gas Festival this year. Thirteen-year-old Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, a young man whose courage, strength, and unwavering spirit have inspired thousands across the nation, will be on hand to receive honors.

Diagnosed in 2018 with brain and spinal cancer, DJ has become a national symbol of bravery, being honored by over 1,400 law enforcement agencies across the United States. On Thursday, September 11, DJ’s journey will bring him to Sistersville, where he will be sworn in as an honorary deputy of the Tyler County Sheriff’s Department in a moving ceremony led by Sheriff Dean Pratt.

The ceremony, part of a special evening program of the 2025 WV Oil and Gas Festival at 5:30 p.m. in Sistersville City Park, will honor not only DJ, but also our local heroes; veterans, military personnel, law enforcement, fire, and EMS who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting our freedoms and communities will be recognized.

“This is more than just a celebration,” said event coordinator Steve Thomas. “It’s a tribute to DJ’s fight, and to all the men and women who fight every day for others. DJ shows us what real strength looks like and that it has no age.”

Law enforcement agencies from across West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania have been invited to attend and participate in this powerful moment. Departments wishing to be involved can reach out to Steve Thomas at 304-771-5592 or by messaging the festival’s Facebook page.

DJ’s story gained national attention in March 2020, when he was recognized by President Donald Trump during the State of the Union Address, where he was celebrated for his courage and officially sworn in as an honorary U.S. Secret Service agent. Now, as he continues his brave battle with cancer, Sistersville will stand with him celebrating not only his dream, but his impact on the nation.

The program will be emceed by Bill Dawson, former well-known minister at the Sistersville First United Methodist Church, and following the ceremony, the Birch River Band will take the stage to keep the celebration going. A special donation area will be set up to help DJ and his family with medical expenses.

So, mark your calendars and bring the whole family to Sistersville City Park on Thursday, September 11 at 5:30 p.m. to witness a remarkable moment of unity, strength, and hope as a small town honors a very big hero.