It was a day of celebration for 10-year-old Preston Bradbury from Black Diamond and all who participated in the 2010 Chief for a Day event Wednesday, Aug. 18.

Preston was honored along with 20 other youths at the celebration. All of the children have been diagnosed with chronic illnesses. Preston has the neurological disorder cerebral palsy.

Black Diamond Police Chief Jamey Kiblinger said this was the first year the department participated in the event. Kiblinger said a request was sent in to the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission and the department was chosen.

Once the police department became part of the program, Kiblinger began searching for a child. Andy Williamson, economic development director for the city, suggested Preston as the Black Diamond Chief for a Day.

Once Preston was chosen, the chief asked his mother, Trish Parker, what was the one thing Preston could use.

Parker said a special bicycle. The cost was about $3,000.

“Our goal was to raise the money,” Kiblinger said. “And at the last minute we raised the $3,000. Citizens, businesses, everyone chipped in. The day of the celebration we presented her (Parker) with the ($3,000) check. It was one of the most notable times in my career so far.”

Preston and 20 other children were taken by limousines with a police motorcade escort from Qwest Field to the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission facility. Preston was presented with a hand-tailored uniform from the Black Diamond Police Department, and was sworn in as Chief for the Day. After the ceremony, the new chiefs and sheriffs saw presentations from local law enforcement agencies, including K-9 units, mounted horse patrols, SWAT teams, rifle units and a police helicopter.

“It was great,” Kiblinger said. “That is what this job is all about.”

Black Diamond Mayor Rebecca Olness described the event and the time with Preston as an “amazing day.”

Photographs in the slide show courtesy Ron Olness.