Five-year-old Mahdi Fabianke wrote to the Sacramento County SWAT team through his brother, Yusuf, explaining that he’s a responsible boy — in fact, he helped his Mom while she fought cancer and leukemia. He’s also fast, strong, loves catching bad guys, and has a SWAT team helmet and costume, Mahdi said.
Could he try out for the squad?
“I want to apply for a SWAT team position,” he said, ending the letter by adding, “I hope that I will hear from you soon for my interview.”
The answer came loud and clear: Yes!
Members of the Sheriff’s Department Special Enforcement Detail came to Natomas Park Elementary School on Wednesday (March 29), met Mahdi, interviewed him by microphone at a school assembly, ran him through a makeshift playground obstacle course, then welcomed him as an honorary member of their team, awarding him a T-shirt, cap and commemorative coin while classmates watched and cheered.
Afterward, the 5-year-old gave interview after interview to assembled TV news crews – after all, SWAT team members need to be cool under stress.
“Mahdi’s an incredible kid,” said Deputy James Petrinovich, who coordinated Wednesday’s tryout. “I have the feeling that he’s going to do a lot of incredible things in his lifetime.”
Mahdi’s brother, Yusuf, 11, said he was proud of writing the letter and happy for his 5-year-old brother. Asked to describe Mahdi, Yusuf didn’t hesitate. “Very energetic and responsible,” he said. “Sometimes he’s a little bad, but he’s mainly good.”
Mahdi’s mother, Mariam, whose illness is in remission, was touched by the ceremony and thankful to school officials and the Sheriff’s Department.
“It’s my son’s dream,” she said. “Today his dream came true.”
Mahdi had the last word, however, saying he now looks forward to getting on with his new job of catching bad guys.
“I always catch them,” he said. “I even catch my sister when she’s bad to me.”
