Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PRICE — A dream to become a police officer came true Saturday for a very special teenager from Price. Police cars, motorcycles and fire engines from all over the state gathered in support of the frail 17-year-old boy.
Jace Marietti suffers from Cockayne syndrome, which causes rapid aging. Right now, his body is closer that of a 90-year-old. When Jessi Adams, the wife of Carbon County sheriff's deputy Mike Adams, found out that Jace's dream is to become a police officer, she set out to make it happen.
It all started with a big parade. But Jace didn’t know what was happening at first; he thought he was part of the procession.
As the line of emergency responders rolled through town, sirens blaring, Jace's mom hid her emotions in the backseat of their car. Across town at Carbon High School, hundreds gathered for the surprise ceremony.
“There is a huge line of people to get in. I think it’s going to be standing room only,” said Chief Deputy Tom Stefanoff, with the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office.
“(I) wouldn’t have missed it,” Kristina Shade said. “It’s overwhelming, the community support we have, and I’m just so happy to be a part of it.”
As the national anthem was sung, Jace made his way in to the auditorium. Then, on stage, the surprise was revealed.
“We are going to make you an honorary deputy with the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office,” Jessi Adams told him. “You are going to become a cop.”
Those who know Jace, know his kindness. He's the kid at school who says hello to everyone. Now, his community is giving back.
“He is so happy. He is seriously so stinking happy,” said Valorie Marietti, Jace’s mom. “I think he is going to sleep with the badge, seriously.”
The deputy's wife behind Friday’s event also gave Jace a quilt that has a patch from every law enforcement agency in the state of Utah.
“I just love him,” Jessi Adams said. “He touched my heart, and I hope this touched his heart as much as he touched mine.”
Surrounded by family, friends and strangers, Jace’s dream came true. He’s not only a cop for a day, but a hero to many every day.
