Boy with brain cancer becomes nation's youngest deputy

HUNTINGTON COUNTY, IN (KTRK) -- There's a new sheriff's deputy in Indiana, and he's just three years old.

Wyatt Schmaltz has been named the "nation's youngest special sheriff deputy" in Huntington County, Indiana. He was given an oFficial uniform, badge and special powers.

"We have given Wyatt all the powers of a real Sheriff Deputy, which are to carry out the orders of the Sheriff," County Sheriff Terry Stoffehel said in a statement. "Right now, his only orders are to get better."

Wyatt is fighting to survive stage 4 neuroblastoma, a form of brain cancer that most commonly affects children 5-years-old and younger, according to the Mayo clinic. He was diagnosed in April and has already undergone several rounds of chemotherapy at the Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, according to a hospital statement.

Wyatt's mother, April Schmaltz, said her son was most excited about the police badge, since he often "arrests" his older brothers when they play at home, ABC News reported. Wyatt even used his new badge on Thursday, telling a nurse tasked with taking his blood that she was "under arrest."

Wyatt seems to be excited about his new young career in law enforcement. After being given his new gifts, Wyatt turned to the Sheriff and deputy and said, "What's next?"