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Be Kind: 4-year-old battling cancer becomes honorary NJ state trooper

Friday, October 23, 2020

4-year-old battling cancer becomes honorary NJ state trooper

Toni Yates has more on a brave 4-year-old girl who is battling cancer that was welcomed into the New Jersey State Police family as an honorary trooper.

WEST TRENTON, New Jersey (WABC) -- A 4-year-old battling cancer was welcomed into the New Jersey State Police family as an honorary trooper.

Sophia Colavito was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor that has since spread to the lining of her brain and her spine, which caused her to lose sight in her right eye.

She is an enthusiastic law enforcement supporter who collects police patches.

Lauren Glassberg has a Be Kind story on local artists who are transforming outdoor dining areas into works of art during the pandemic.

When State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan heard Sophia's story, he immediately invited her to visit the division headquarters in West Trenton.

Earlier this week, he was joined by Governor Phil Murphy and a contingent of police officials to welcome the family and surprise Sophia by officially making her an Honorary New Jersey State Trooper.

The colonel spent time with Sophia and her family, leading them on a tour of the NJSP log cabin and Regional Operations Intelligence Center.

"We were honored to host Sophia and her family today," the department wrote on Facebook. "She continues to inspire all of us in the State Police family. Now that she is officially an Honorary New Jersey State Trooper, she will forever remain a part of our family, because 'Once a Trooper, Always a Trooper.'"

He also told Sophia how much her strength, courage and optimism have inspired him.

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