June 3, 2026 – It was a day that resonated with both children and adults as eleven local “wish kids” were sworn as junior deputies by St. Lucie County Sheriff Richard Del Toro.

The children, all of whom have received a life-changing wish from Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, received a badge and certificate to commemorate the occasion. Their time at the sheriff’s office also included exploring the aviation unit, interacting with SWAT team members and watching demonstrations from drone and K-9 teams. Kids and their families had the opportunity to ask questions, meet law enforcement professionals and see equipment and technology that supports public safety.

“This event was a special wish enhancement for local kids and families valiantly battling life-threatening medical conditions,” said Norman Wedderburn, president & CEO of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. “We thank the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office for making them part of their professional family and creating memories that will last a lifetime.”

Make-A-Wish Southern Florida (www.wish.org/sfla) has granted more than 15,000 life-changing wishes since 1983 for critically-ill children. It aims to grant a wish for every medically-eligible child in its territory and understands wishes aren’t just nice, they’re necessary for kids and families at some of the most difficult times in their lives.

Wish kids most often ‘wish to be’ (something), ‘wish to meet’ (someone), ‘wish to go’ (somewhere), ‘wish to have’ (something), or ‘wish to give’ (to a cause) and the nonprofit organization makes this happen for the child and his/her entire family at no cost or obligation.

The Southern Florida chapter’s territory includes 22 counties/four regions: southeast and southwest Florda, the Suncoast, and Tampa Bay. It also includes the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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