Jacob was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy days after his first birthday. SMA is a genetic disease affecting the part of the nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movement.
Jacob is a typical 4-year-old boy mentally, but unable to physically do many things. Jacob has never been able to roll over, crawl or walk, but is able to sit up for short periods of time.
A photo shoot was held in October by Southern Sisters Photography, and sponsored by Dreams Come True, in which children were asked what they would like to be when they grow up. Jacob posed for some photos and said his dream is to be a K-9 policeman.
A Clay County Sheriff's Office deputy saw the photos and decided to make Jacob's dream come true.
CCSO officers and Sheriff Rick Beseler donated their time Saturday to make Jacob an honorary junior sergeant. Jacob was sworn in by Beseler, along with his new K-9 partner. The CCSO K-9 officers have volunteered their time to work with and help train Jacob's new "police dog" to become his new service dog.
Jacob even had his wheelchair transformed into a patrol car for the event.
The Clay County Sheriff's Office posted photos from Saturday's event on its Facebook page and wrote, "Little Jacob's health may fail him, but his spirit is strong -- and that smile!"
