Oak Ridge Today

Sergeant who helped boy battling cancer chosen as CPD Officer of the Year

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Jason-Stokes-Rick-Scarbrough-December-2015

Clinton Police Chief Rick Scarbrough, right, is pictured above with Sergeant Jason Stokes, the Clinton Police Department’s Officer of the Year for 2015. (Submitted photo)

 

A police sergeant who developed a friendship with a 10-year-old boy battling cancer has been named Officer of the Year by the Clinton Police Department.

Clinton Police Chief Rick Scarbrough said his memory of Joseph Dillman, a 10-year-old South Clinton Elementary student who passed away following a courageous battle with cancer, played a big part in choosing Sergeant Jason Stokes, this year’s CPD Officer of the Year.

“To select only one officer for our officer of the year is a challenge,” Scarbrough said in a press release. “We have a tremendous team and have many examples of the qualities required to receive the award. However, this year our department and community, were able to come together for young Joseph Dillman. [Read more…]

Clinton boy, 10, dies after battling brain cancer

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Joseph Dillman and Brian Bruce

Joseph Dillman, right, was battling brain cancer for the second time when this picture was taken in January, and he received more than 100 pounds of mail and gifts for his 10th birthday. Above, family friend Brian Bruce helped Dillman open gifts during Joseph Dillman Day at Claxton Elementary School on Saturday, January 24, 2015. (File photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today) 

 

Note: This story was updated at 4:27 p.m. July 20.

Joseph Dillman, a Clinton boy who inspired the community with his battle against brain cancer, died Saturday. He was 10.

Joseph had earned the love and admiration of many people from across the country. It was his second battle against brain cancer.

Joseph had been made an honorary firefighter and honorary Clinton police officer. For his 10th birthday in January, he received more than 100 pounds of birthday mail and gifts from well-wishers across the country, including Peyton Manning and Johnny Majors.

“Joseph Dillman was such a fun-loving kid and put up a hard fight to beat cancer,” family friend Tiffany Taylor said on a GoFundMe page set up to help the family with funeral expenses. “Unfortunately, little Joseph’s fight ended yesterday morning with his family by his side.”

There was a candlelight prayer service for Joseph on July 11 in Clinton. Joseph was unable to attend, so supporters brought the event to him. Members of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department—along with local law enforcement, fire departments, and Emergency Medical Services—drove by Joseph’s house with lights flashing and sirens blaring. [Read more…]

Candlelight prayer service Saturday for Joseph Dillman

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Joseph Dillman and Brian Bruce

Joseph Dillman, right, is battling brain cancer for the second time, and he received more than 100 pounds of mail and gifts for his 10th birthday. Above, family friend Brian Bruce helps Dillman open gifts during Joseph Dillman Day at Claxton Elementary School on Saturday, January 24, 2015. (File photo)

 

Information from WYSH Radio

A candlelight prayer service for a boy battling cancer for the second time in his young life will be held Saturday night in Clinton.

The battle against the disease by Joseph Dillman, 10, of Clinton, has inspired the community, which has embraced both him and his family as they continue the fight. He has been named an honorary Clinton police officer and led the Clinton High School football team onto the field during a home game last season, and he has received several other designations and accolades.

Just last month, the Second Annual Joseph Dillman Lawn Mower Race organized by Clinton Police Officer Jason Stokes was held. [Read more…]

Boy battling brain cancer receives more than 100 pounds of birthday mail, gifts

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Joseph Dillman and Brian Bruce

Joseph Dillman, right, is battling brain cancer for the second time, and he received more than 100 pounds of mail and gifts for his 10th birthday. Above, family friend Brian Bruce helps Dillman open gifts during Joseph Dillman Day at Claxton Elementary School on Saturday. 

 

CLAXTON—A Clinton boy battling brain cancer for the second time received more than 100 pounds of birthday mail and gifts on Saturday from well-wishers across the country, including Peyton Manning and Johnny Majors. Joseph Dillman, who turned 10 on Thursday, also got to sit in a Dukes of Hazzard car, enjoy a visit from Claxton firefighters and a monster truck, and sit court side to watch a youth basketball game.

His favorite part of the day?

“Everybody coming to my birthday,” said the fourth-grade basketball player, who has attended South Clinton Elementary School but is now homebound. “Thank you to everyone.” [Read more…]