The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | October 2024 Montville P . D .’ s Honorary Police Chief Inspires the Department
The Gracie ’ s Army Foundation journey began in 2020 when Dina and Craig Ferluge learned of their daughter Gracie ’ s diagnosis of Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma .
The years that followed included extended surgeries alongside advanced cancer treatments . The nine-year-old girl is now enrolled in a neuroblastoma vaccine trial and has been in remission for nearly three years .
The “ army ” of friends , family and community supporters have inspired the Ferluge family to provide resources , build awareness , and seek out families who need the emotional and financial support necessary to navigate childhood cancer treatment .
The army proudly includes the Montville Police Department , which adopted Gracie as the honorary police chief when she was just five years old . She has visited the police department often in recent years , even doing work as “ chief ,” with crayons and coloring books at Police Chief Andrew Caggiano ’ s desk .
Her determination , grit and positive attitude serve as an inspiration for the officers in the department , all of whom have big smiles whenever Gracie enters the building .
“ Gracie is an amazing girl and we are so happy when she comes in to spend the day with us ,” Caggiano said . “ Early in her treatments , we named her our honorary police chief and even had a uniform made for her .”
The police chief — first Vice President of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police — said his entire department is relieved that Gracie is now in remission . Her hair has grown back and she has boundless energy when she visits Montville ’ s police headquarters .
Caggiano is pleased to say Gracie is enjoying life : dancing , swimming , and playing with her sisters , and dog Duncan .
Gracie ’ s Army Foundation is a grassroots non-profit organization that seeks families who are in need of emotional and financial support . The foundation shares their stories , provides resources , builds awareness , and shines a light on a disease that affects countless children every single day .
Learn more at graciesarmyfoundation . org .
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