Let's be careful out there

A wish comes true for Heath, 4, who joins constables Eric Bakker and Steve O'Reilly at the North Shore Police Centre. Picture / Paul Estcourt

He had all the gear for the beat. Handcuffs and torch, even a specially made uniform. For a day, 4-year-old Heath was the country's youngest policeman - a dream courtesy of the charity Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Heath and Takapuna community constable Gavin Leonard patrolled the Devonport streets before crossing the harbour in a police boat to Mechanics Bay where Heath got to ride on board the Eagle helicopter. His brother, Michael, 5, tagged along, dressed as a visiting British bobby.

Heath was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukaemia last August - a diagnosis that means 2 years of chemotherapy and drug treatment.

His father, John, said the chemotherapy weakened Heath's immune system.

"He spends more time in hospital through illness than actually his chemo or his drugs."

Despite losing a lot of liberties, such as kindergarten and playing with friends, Heath had coped remarkably well.

"He's a little soldier. He's got a really good attitude towards it."

Make-a-Wish Foundation sponsorship manager Marlen Smith said granting Heath's wish was particularly poignant as the foundation enters its 21st year in New Zealand.

The foundation, which has its origins in the US, granted its first wish in 1980 to US child Chris Greicius - who also wanted to be a policeman.