By: Richard L. Smith
On Wednesday, a unique adventure took place in Newark that captured the essence of community, aspiration, and youthful exuberance.
I observed an initiative that bridged dreams with reality, particularly for one remarkable young man, Isaiah Davis, a Newark resident.
He is a student at Salomé Ureña Elementary School, where, in a statement, Principal Daniella Alvarez described Isaiah's character and performance as '‘exceptional".
“Isaiah consistently achieves exceptional grades, demonstrating his dedication and commitment to his studies” -Principal Daniella Alvarez
At the age of 11, Isaiah participated in an extraordinary quest of leadership, service, and learning within the very fabric of his Newark community.
Isaiah's journey began with a simple yet staunch desire to explore the world of law enforcement, a field that promised order, justice, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in this young boy's life.
Davis' stern dedication to his studies and a spirited essay on the virtues of police work caught the attention of the Newark Police Department's leadership, marking the beginning of a day that would be etched in the 7th Precinct's history.
The day dawned bright and early for Isaiah, the day he was to become Newark's North Ward Police Captain for a day.
The Precinct buzzed with anticipation as Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé, Police Chief Emanuel Miranda, Captain Hector M. Arocho, Jr., and Community Service Officers K. Arroyo and Z. Smith rolled out the red carpet for their youngest captain.
Isaiah's itinerary was nothing short of a whirlwind tour through the heart of Newark's policing.
Starting with a business walk in the North Ward, Isaiah, wearing the mantle of leadership with surprising ease, engaged with local entrepreneurs, sharing pleasantries and insights over breakfast.
The Honorable Councilman Anibal Ramos of Newark's North Ward graciously presented Isaiah with a proclamation recognizing his exceptional contributions and commendable efforts. Isaiah's adventure was more thrilling at the Emergency Services Unit on Orange Street.
I joined him in witnessing the specialized worlds of Marine, SWAT, and other emergency services happen before his eager eyes.
The Mounted Unit, housed at what I remembered as the old 'Peddler's Square'' markets, provided a gentle transition. Isaiah explored the stables and motorcycle unit and formed a brief but meaningful bond with the horses.
While leaders of this unit fed the houses carrots, it took Davis a minute to gather up the courage to feed them.
This moment of pleasure was followed by a visit to Police Chief Emanuel ‘Manny' Miranda's office, where Isaiah's achievements and aspirations were celebrated.
A highlight of Isaiah's day was the shared laughter and light-heartedness with Newark Police Director Fritz Fragé.
He saluted Davis and reminded him to stay focused and positive and continue representing Newark and the community with his wondrous deeds.
During the light breakfast gathering, Director Fragé complimented Davis on how great he looked in uniform as a Newark Police Captain.
He jokingly warned him about the hazards of jelly donuts to a police uniform pristine condition—a moment of high spirit that stressed the spirit of camaraderie and mentorship.
As the day progressed, Isaiah journeyed into the history and heritage of law enforcement at The Fraternal Order of Police museum, enriching his understanding of the profession's depth and complexity through the department's history.
Lunch offered a moment of reflection before the day's conclusion, a testament to a journey well-traveled.
During the tour, I learned a great deal about The Newark Police Department and can attest that Isaiah's odyssey was more than a series of visits and introductions; it was a deep dive into the realities and responsibilities of police work.
Captain Arocho's belief that the experience would inspire and educate was echoed by the glowing pride of Isaiah's mother, Tamirah Richards, who saw this as an unforgettable milestone in her son's life.
Beyond the uniform and badge, Isaiah's day as captain, highlighted his multifaceted personality: a diligent student, a passionate athlete, and a young man of exceptional character and curiosity.
His love for basketball, football, and the LA Lakers paralleled his fascination with the analytical depth of his favorite TV series, Criminal Minds, painting the picture of a young leader as comfortable on the playing field as he is in critical thinking and analysis.
Being there with Isaiah for much of his tour, I witnessed his day as Newark's Police Captain was more than an event; it was a symbol of possibility, a testament to the community's faith in its youth, and an inspiring chapter in the ongoing story of service and leadership.
As Isaiah looks back on this day, I hope it serves as a beacon, guiding him toward a future where his dreams and reality participate in service to his community and beyond.
Great job, Captain 'for a day’ Isaiah Davis (Salute!)
