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Home > Post > Post 10 > Post 10 News Release > 2011 News Releases > News Release

Corbin Youth Named Honorary Trooper

Date of News Release: 11/18/2011

(Harlan, Ky) -- Ethan Smith is an Elementary student who lives near Corbin Kentucky. Ethan was playing a football game a couple weekends ago when his parents realized he was acting strange. Ethan's father transported him to the Hospital where they found an inoperable cancer on his brain. Ethan's father advised this type of cancer effects 300 children per year.

Ethan's father Ian Smith stated "We literally went from taking him to football practice to taking him to chemo therapy".

Ethan's family has been advised by social workers that he is eligible for Make-A-Wish. Given the opportunity most in Ethan's shoes would think deservingly of Disney World or Meeting Lebron James but not Ethan. Ethan's request is simple and does not benefit him at all. Ethan's dream is to give apples to the needy, the disadvantaged. You see Ethan has always spoken of "blessing" other people. When asked what he wanted to be when he grew up. He said "a Police Officer....A State Trooper". Ethan stated he had wanted to be a State Trooper for about 3 years (he's 9) and wear a uniform. Ethan has always dreamed of public service.

When the Kentucky State Police at Harlan Post found out about Ethan's plight they set out to make his dream come true. The family of Sgt. Bill Elliot of Post 11 provided a replica uniform in just Ethan's size. On Saturday November 12th Ethan arrived at Wynn Fire Equipment in a brand new fire truck that bore his name and was sworn in as an Honorary Trooper by Commissioner Rodney Brewer in front of an intimate group of family, friends and select officers. Commissioner Brewer presented Ethan with a KSP bear, t-shirts, hats and other Items before he and Lieutenant Brandon Hammers of the aircraft section took him for an unforgettable ride in the KSP Helicopter. Ethan received his KSP wings after getting to pilot the aircraft under the supervision of LT. Hammers. Ethan was all smiles and elated to meet all the Troopers and officers in attendance. Harlan Post Public Affairs Officer Shane Jacobs also made a special presentation on behalf of Harlan Post. Ethan's wish to meet a K-9 officer was granted and he quickly palled up with Trooper Jason McCowen and his K9 who made fast friends.

Ethan's dream doesn't stop there his first wish is being granted by Fall's Auto group. The plan is to get Ethan his apples. Fall's auto group has obtained about 1,000 printed apples. The dealership plans to sell those apples for $5 per apple with a portion of the proceeds going to purchase items for the needy and the rest to Cancer research and Ethan's treatment. Following this fundraiser Ethan will get to take food and yes his apples to the needy. The plan is to take Ethan in a parade of fire trucks, ambulances and police cars to give his blessing and live his dream. This project appropriately dubbed "Ethan's Apples" hopes to gain the exposure it needs to raise money. Organizer Lonnie "Peanut" Williamson of Falls Auto Group believes that support for this project can grow beyond the expiration of an apple and blossom into an orchard of renewable possibility that might give eternal life to Ethan's dream and purpose to his suffering. Fall's Auto group hopes to make this an annual event.

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