NYC Mayor Eric Adams Swears In DJ Daniel as Honorary Deputy Mayor for Public Safety
NEW YORK — In a heartwarming and unconventional ceremony at City Hall on August 26, 2025, New York City Mayor Eric Adams swore in 10-year-old DJ Daniel as the honorary Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, recognizing the young boy’s remarkable heroism in saving his twin brother from a choking incident last year. The event, attended by city officials, the boy’s family, and a crowd of supporters, highlighted Adams’ ongoing emphasis on community safety and youth empowerment, while drawing attention to everyday acts of courage in the Big Apple.
DJ Daniel, a fifth-grader from Brooklyn, became an instant sensation in 2024 when he performed the Heimlich maneuver on his twin brother, DJ Dennis, during a family dinner. The quick-thinking action saved Dennis’s life after he choked on food, earning Daniel widespread praise and media coverage. Mayor Adams, known for his background in public safety as a former NYPD captain, personally invited the boy to City Hall to honor his bravery. “In a city as fast-paced as New York, it’s the young heroes like DJ Daniel who remind us what public safety truly means—being prepared, acting decisively, and looking out for one another,” Adams said during the swearing-in. “Today, we make him an honorary deputy mayor to inspire kids across our city to step up when it matters most.”
The honorary role, while symbolic, comes with a badge, a certificate, and opportunities for Daniel to participate in public safety initiatives, such as school visits promoting emergency response training. Adams administered the oath, with Daniel repeating the pledge in a steady voice, flanked by his parents and brother. The mayor also announced a $10,000 donation to the family’s local community center in Daniel’s name, underscoring the city’s commitment to supporting youth programs.
The Incident That Captured Hearts
The story dates back to October 2024, when the twins were enjoying a meal at home in East New York, Brooklyn. Dennis suddenly began choking, unable to breathe or speak. Without hesitation, Daniel—trained in basic first aid from school—wrapped his arms around his brother and performed the Heimlich maneuver, dislodging the obstruction and restoring his breathing. Paramedics arrived shortly after, confirming Dennis was out of danger, and the boys’ mother, Shanice Lee, later shared the tale on social media, where it went viral with millions of views.
Daniel’s poise under pressure earned him accolades from the American Red Cross and local schools, but the mayoral honor elevates his recognition to a citywide level. “I’m just glad my brother is okay, and if this helps other kids learn how to help, that’s awesome,” Daniel said post-ceremony, clutching his new badge. His twin added, “DJ is my hero every day, but now the whole city knows it!”
This isn’t the first time Adams has used honorary titles to spotlight young achievers. In 2023, he appointed a teenage environmental activist as honorary Commissioner of Sanitation, and earlier this year, a group of student volunteers were named honorary deputy mayors for community service. Such gestures align with Adams’ “Safe City for All” agenda, which includes expanding youth safety education in NYC public schools.
Broader Implications for Public Safety in NYC
For Americans tuning into urban safety stories, Daniel’s appointment serves as a positive counterpoint to ongoing debates about crime and policing in major cities. Under Adams, New York has seen a 12% drop in overall crime rates in 2025, attributed to increased community policing and mental health initiatives. However, challenges persist, including subway safety concerns and youth involvement in petty crimes, making inspirational figures like Daniel all the more vital.
Experts praise the move for promoting bystander intervention training, which the CDC estimates saves thousands of lives annually through simple techniques like the Heimlich. The Red Cross has partnered with NYC schools to roll out more programs, potentially reaching 1.5 million students by year’s end. Adams, a vocal advocate for personal responsibility in safety, used the event to urge parents: “Teach your kids these life-saving skills—because in New York, heroes aren’t born; they’re trained.”
The ceremony also featured performances by local youth groups and a surprise visit from FDNY firefighters, who demonstrated basic CPR. As DJ Daniel steps into his honorary role, he joins a lineage of young honorees who have influenced city policy, from anti-bullying campaigns to environmental cleanups. For U.S. families, this tale reinforces the importance of emergency preparedness, reminding us that public safety starts at home—and sometimes, with a child’s quick thinking.