Boy Battling Rare Disease Becomes Honorary Police Officer

A 9-year-old boy battling a rare, debilitating disease has become the newest member of the North Haven Police Department.

Hunter Pageau, who is one of only about 80 people worldwide living with spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress, or SMARD, was sworn in Tuesday night as an honorary youth officer, according to the police department.

Photos from the ceremony show Hunter flanked by officers, wearing a police cap and grinning from ear to ear.

The boy spends his days dependent on a ventilator, wheelchair and life support. Although there is no known treatment or cure for SMARD, Italian researchers have made an apparent breakthrough and hope to begin human trials in the near future.

Hunter is raising money through a GoFundMe page to fund a trip to Italy so he can participate in those trials when they become available.

"Always have hope, love and never give up," he said earlier this week.

Contact Us