U.S. Marshals Partners With ‘A Special Wish’ for a Very Special Day

Cleveland, OH - The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF), the Brunswick Police Department and the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department SWAT Officers were fortunate enough to work with The Northeast Ohio Chapter of A Special Wish Foundation to grant a wish for a very special young man.

A Special Wish Foundation was founded in 1982 and is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to granting the wishes of children between birth and 20 years of age who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. The Northeast Ohio Chapter of A Special Wish Foundation proudly opened its doors in 2013 and is run by local Northeast Ohioans. They are currently granting the wishes of more than 300 children who are treated at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, and Akron Children’s Hospital. A Special Wish Foundation offers their services to all qualifying children, and does not discriminate based on race, gender, nationality, or ethnicity.

Yesterday, a wish was fulfilled for 13-year-old Iain McGovern. Although Iain has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, he doesn’t let that stop him from dreaming of, and working towards a career in law enforcement.   For much of the day, Iain rode with members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, the Brunswick Police Department and with members of the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s SWAT team. Iain and his family were able to see the innerworkings of each department and how they cross paths on a fugitive investigation.  Iain helped the team run the drone, tactical robot and made announcements from the SWAT team’s bearcat armored vehicle.  Two K9 Officers worked with the group to show how their K9s assist the teams with their daily missions.

U.S. Marshals Chief Deputy Brian Fitzgibbon said, “The U.S. Marshals added a true warrior when Iain joined our team.  He rode in the SWAT truck, called a fugitive out on the loud-speaker, operated a throw robot, all while equipped with a ballistic vest and helmet.  But, most importantly, Iain ignited a spark in the team that will last a lifetime.”   

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force – Cleveland Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies:  U.S. Marshals Service, Cleveland Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department, Euclid Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Independence Police Department, Parma Police Department, Aurora Police Department, Solon Police Department, Cleveland RTA Police Department, Westlake Police Department, Bedford Police Department, Middleburg Heights Police Department, Newburgh Heights Police Department and the Metrohealth Police Department.