Robeson town makes gravely ill man honorary police officer

The Red Springs Police Department, where Locklear's father works, made the 29-year-old an honorary officer.

"We provided him a uniform and some handcuffs, and he's been excited ever since," Police Chief Ronnie Patterson said. "Today is his first day on the job, and I think he's loving it."

Locklear, who also has Down syndrome, enthusiastically agreed.

"I love it. I love my job. I work with dad at nights in his police car," he said. "Maybe one day, I'll work at night every day."

Vernon Strickland said his son is in a race against time to get a new kidney. He was on the transplant list at Duke University Hospital, but he has been temporarily removed because of his physical and medical conditions.

"They're saying he's not quite stable enough. We've got to get him stable to be put back on the list, and we're playing it by ear day-by-day," Strickland said.

Part of that day-by-day approach is dialysis three times a week. But Friday's treatment in a Red Springs patrol car also appears to have helped.

"When the chief and my brothers and sisters here came together and made this happen for him, he's been so happy," Strickland said. "He hasn't shown signs of sickness."

Locklear wanted to know when he would get his gun, but Patterson told him he needed more training first.