Thanks to all who made DJ’s visit one to remember

Posted 6/27/25

To the editor:

This past weekend, the Town of Bristol had the extraordinary honor of welcoming Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, a remarkable young man on a heartfelt mission. Diagnosed with …

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Thanks to all who made DJ’s visit one to remember

Posted

To the editor:

This past weekend, the Town of Bristol had the extraordinary honor of welcoming Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, a remarkable young man on a heartfelt mission. Diagnosed with brain and spinal cancer in 2018 and given just five months to live, DJ has defied every expectation. Today, he continues to pursue his dream of becoming a police officer by being sworn in by as many law enforcement agencies as possible. His journey is one of courage, hope, and deep respect for the men and women of law enforcement.

On behalf of the James D. Rielly Foundation, I want to express our sincerest gratitude to everyone who helped make DJ and his dad Theodis’s visit to Bristol so meaningful. It was a day filled with joy, pride, and community spirit.

We are especially thankful to Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente and the Bristol Police Department Chief Kevin Lynch, Captain Julie Veader, Lieutenant Brian Morse, Lieutenant Mike Veira, Sergeant Tim Gallison, and Patrolman Greg Silva for their unwavering support and care in welcoming DJ.

A heartfelt thank you to Mike Hoffman, Tammy Mojkowski, Patti Nenna, Michelle Martins, and the entire Bristol Fourth of July Committee for helping us bring the spirit of Bristol to life for DJ.

We also thank the local businesses who generously welcomed DJ and Theodis: Bristol Harbor Inn, Bristol Sunset Café, Portside Tavern, Brick Pizza, Hill House Graphics, and Cardi’s Furniture and Mattresses.
We were honored by the participation of so many law enforcement agencies from across Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts: Warren, Barrington, Brown University, Lincoln, Burrillville, Tiverton, Warwick, Cumberland, Westerly, Johnston, East Providence, Cranston, Narragansett, Hopkinton, North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Portsmouth, Little Compton, Rhode Island Environmental Police, Rhode Island State Police, and Swansea.

To the Board of Directors of the James D. Rielly Foundation, thank you for your guidance and continual dedication to our mission. And to Rayona Clemens, your support and coordination were invaluable from start to finish.

Finally, to the people of Bristol and beyond. Thank you for opening your hearts to DJ and Theodis. Your kindness and patriotism remind us all what community truly means. As much joy as we hoped to bring to DJ that day, I believe he brought us even more joy.

If we missed anyone in our thanks, please know it was not intentional. We are deeply grateful to everyone who played a part.

With love and appreciation,

Michael Rielly
President and Chief Merriment Officer, James D. Rielly Foundation
Bristol

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Jim McGaw

A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1982 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1986. He's worked two different stints at East Bay Newspapers, for a total of 18 years with the company so far. When not running all over town bringing you the news from Portsmouth, Jim listens to lots and lots and lots of music, watches obscure silent films from the '20s and usually has three books going at once. He also loves to cook crazy New Orleans dishes for his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their two sons, Jake and Max.