York Co. kid becomes chief of police department

Updated: Tuesday, December 30 2014, 06:35 PM EST

By: Donna Kirker Morgan

SPRINGETTSBURY TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- A York County police department had new leadership, at least for a day. Springettsbury Township Police Chief Thomas Hyers handed over command to 12-year-old Johnathen Speelman for a few hours on Tuesday.

Speelman suffers from retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease that will eventually blind him. To show Johnathen support, Springettsbury Township police signed him in, showed him stun guns and riot shields, and escorted Speelman and his friends around the department.

The West York Area Middle school student even pulled someone over, warning them to get their tail light fixed, but not issuing a ticket.

Hyers said he's learned a lot from Johnathen.

"I've been in law enforcement for 30 years, and a 12-year-old boy has impacted me. A 12-year-old boy has taught someone who has done this for a long time, no matter what you're faced with you can overcome it. Just be positive. Think positive. Do good things and it will all work out," Hyers said.

West York teachers have started a fundraiser for Speelman.

Their goal is to send him on a limousine trip around Washington, D.C. To donate, visit this site: https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/9t17/help-johnathen-see-america-s-sites-before-his-retinitis-pigmentosa-progresses-further-

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York Co. kid becomes chief of police department