On Tuesday, July 22, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. inducted 12-year-old Hauppauge resident Wyatt Houppert as an Honorary Sheriff for the day. Wyatt, who is bravely battling kidney failure and preparing for a life-saving transplant, was sworn in during a special ceremony at the Sheriff's Office in Riverhead. The event also recognized the incredible generosity of his kidney donor, Dawn Rice, who is the wife and sister of two Sheriff’s Office correction officers.
Following the swearing-in, the Sheriff's Office hosted a special experience for Wyatt and his three siblings with emergency vehicles, a presentation by the Sheriff’s Office’s Drill Team and a formal salute by officers as Wyatt was welcomed as the newest member of the extended Sheriff’s Office family. Wyatt’s only kidney failed earlier this year, and he now endures multiple weekly dialysis sessions in preparation for his transplant in the coming weeks. The Sheriff recognized Wyatt’s courage, the love and support of his family, and the selfless acts of Dawn Rice and her family.