Eastport Youngster Is Sheriff For A Day

Douglas Grimmett, a 12-year-old cancer survivor from Eastport, and son of NYPD Scuba Sergeant Adam Grimmett, was officially named “Suffolk County Sheriff for the Day” on September 24 in a ceremony with Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr., who is also a two-time cancer survivor.

Douglas and his family met with Sheriff Toulon in his office in Riverhead, which he turned over to “Sheriff Douglas” for the day. “Sheriff” Douglas and “Deputy Sheriff” Ben, his 10-year-old brother, took part in a series of activities with members of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, including a ride along in a patrol car, a visit in the SeaLegs land/sea marine unit, a trip up in the SkyWatch tower, and a demonstration of the K-9 unit.

They also explored the MRAP vehicle, a specialized mine resistant/ambush protected transport. “Sheriff Douglas” received a motorcycle escort to and from the Sheriff’s Office and was honored with a salute from the dozens of Deputy Sheriffs in attendance.

Douglas Grimmett was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in May 2013 and underwent successful chemotherapy treatment. His last chemotherapy was in 2016 and he has been deemed “cancer free” by doctors. This dream-come-true experience came during Blood Cancer Awareness Month (September) and was made possible by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Douglas was chosen as the annual Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s “Boy of the Year” in 2015, which honors children whose cancer journey has been inspiring to others.