KRGV.com

WESLACO - One Weslaco teen got to experience his dream of being a police officer Monday. The road to this point hasn't been easy for the 16-year-old.

Cancer took one of Regino Gonzalez's legs, but it didn't take away his dream of becoming a police officer.

"It means a lot to me, because since I was small, I always wanted to be a police officer," says Gonzalez.

Monday afternoon, Weslaco police swore in Gonzalez as an honorary police officer. He has the brass and uniform to prove it. They gave him a tour of the station, took him to their shooting range and let him ride around with a patrol officer.

"I feel real happy, and I appreciate everything they're doing for me and giving me the chance to have my dream come true," says Gonzalez.

When police heard from his father, they were touched.

"It's an honor for me just to know of a teenager here in our town that has the dream of being a police officer," says J.P. Rodriguez with Weslaco Police Department.

Gonzalez and his father are grateful Weslaco police gave him this opportunity. His father hopes Regino can serve as a role model to other kids.

"For other kids out there that have difficulties or have had cancer, they can still achieve what they want if they fight," says the father.

From fighting cancer to fighting crime, Gonzalez isn't giving up any time soon. Rodriguez says he believes Gonzalez can be more than an honorary police officer in the future.