A day of joy, sirens and small heroes

EPHRATA — On most mornings, the front lawn of the Grant County Courthouse is a quiet stretch of grass framed by patrol cars and courthouse staff heading inside. But on June 11, it will transform into something entirely different – a place where flashing lights, polished badges and oversized smiles belong not to officers, but to the children being honored as this year’s Chiefs for a Day. 

For 22 years, the event has offered a rare kind of celebration: one built not around competition or achievement, but around joy for children who spend much of their lives navigating chronic or life‑threatening medical conditions. The mission is simple: give them a day where the world feels light, bright, and entirely theirs. 

“It’s an opportunity for the community to celebrate their lives and lift them up,” said Kyle Foreman, public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. “We want them to feel recognized as special members of the community.” 

The day begins long before the ceremony. Each child is treated to a $300 shopping trip, funded through donations from residents, businesses and local organizations, Foreman said. It’s a chance for them to pick out something that feels empowering – a new outfit, a toy they’ve been eyeing, or something that simply makes them smile. 

From there, the children climb into patrol cars and fire engines for a motorcade through Ephrata, sirens chirping and lights flashing in their honor. Families line the sidewalks. Officers lean out windows to wave. For a moment, the kids are the center of a parade built just for them. 

When the motorcade arrives at the courthouse, the children step out to applause and take their seats for the swearing‑in ceremony. One by one, they are introduced by their partner agencies – sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, police chiefs, state troopers – and given their honorary badges. 

“The best part is seeing the smiles on the faces of the kids, as well as the faces of their parents or caregivers,” Foreman said. 

The event draws agencies from across the Columbia Basin, including the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Moses Lake Police Department, Quincy Police Department, Ephrata Police Department, Warden Police Department, Washington State Patrol, Grant County Fire District 3, Grant County Fire District 5, Grant County Fire District 8, Ephrata Fire Department, Moses Lake Fire department and the Fire Marshals Office.  

For many departments, the relationship doesn’t end when the ceremony does.  

Quincy Police Chief Ryan Green said his agency continues to include its honorary chief throughout the year. 

“We use them for specialty events including National Night Out and parades,” Green said. “There’s nothing more exciting than seeing a kid in uniform with a big smile on their face.” 

Green has attended nearly every Chief for a Day since the program began in Grant County. 

“It’s special,” he said. “These kids may not ever get the chance to wear a uniform, and to actually wear one and represent law enforcement or firefighters, it’s pretty cool.” 

After the ceremony, families and community members are invited to explore police vehicles, fire engines, SWAT equipment, motorcycles and marine units. Officers and firefighters answer questions, pose for photos, and help the children climb into the driver’s seat. 

It’s a chance for the community to see first responders in a different light, Green said, not as enforcers or emergency responders, but as neighbors showing up for kids who deserve a day of wonder. 

“It’s important that the community attends to show support,” Foreman said. “So, the kids can see that the community embraces them and cares about them.” 

Green echoed that sentiment, noting that the event is short, free, and deeply meaningful. 

“Come out and cheer on the kids,” he said. “Give them a big audience where they get to stand up and be represented.” 

If you go 

22nd Annual Chief for a Day 

Tuesday, June 11  

11 a.m. 

Grant County Courthouse lawn, Ephrata 

    Washington State Patrol Troopers honored Elijah Basilio, 8, during the 2025 Chief for a Day ceremony.
  

    Bryan Cedillo, 7, rides a Grant County Sheriff’s Office Posse horse during the 2025 Chief for a Day event.