Daniel’s dream came true; here he is riding in a Ventura County Sheriff’s S.W.A.T. vehicle, in the Fillmore May Festival Parade last month.

Daniel Steiger is one lucky young man! Thanks to his Mother, Dani Steiger, her friend Linda Wareham and Fillmore's Chief of Police Dave Wareham, Daniel was able to have a day that he will remember forever. On Saturday, May 16th Daniel fulfilled his dream of riding in a Ventura County Sheriff's S.W.A.T. vehicle in Fillmore's Annual May Festival Parade. Daniel also had a tour of the police station and photos taken with members of S.W.A.T.

Small towns have so many positive aspects to them, but one notable positive is the ability to get things done through the relationships that are built through the everyday contacts we, as residents, make! There is not a parent among us that would not do what they could for their child to not only protect, but to guide them in achieving goals they have set for their future. Imagine though if your child has special needs and some of those goals seem out of reach! Dani Steiger is one of those parents faced with that kind of a problem.

Dani is the mother of Daniel Steiger, 29 years old of Fillmore. Daniel was born with Fragile X, a chromosome disorder that creates a number of challenges to his everyday life. Dani tells me, "We have found some strengths (in Daniel) over the years with the help of the Fillmore Unified School District. Daniel worked with School Security during his high school years because of his abilities to notice details that were often overlooked. He has always looked up to Fillmore Officers."

Daniel, and his family attended the Bardsdale United Methodist Church while Daniel was growing up. It was there Daniel met Jerry Peterson a now retired deputy with the Ventura County Sheriff's Department and the School Resource Officer for Fillmore High School while Daniel was in school. Through that relationship Daniel developed his admiration for police officers. Also a member of the church is Linda Wareham, the sister of Sheriff's Captain David Wareham. Dani told me, "Linda developed a soft spot for Daniel and once aware of Daniel's admiration for police officers, Linda introduced Daniel to Captain Wareham and Daniel's dream was about to come true."

Dani told me, "It just warms a mother's heart when people are nice to her children and even though Daniel's 29 now, it still touches me when someone goes out of their way to give him special memories. I want to thank David and the guys - Daniel will be talking about that day for a long time."

It was a very special moment for Daniel and I would bet it was also special for the deputies and Captain Wareham! Great going guys!