Trucker Dukes was a three-year-old honorary firefighter from Maui, Hawaii. He passed away on March 3, 2017, just days away from his fourth birthday. Trucker began a lifelong battle with neuroblastoma shortly after birth. In his short time on Earth, he had an enormous impact. Trucker became an honorary firefighter in two states, a Hawaiian warrior legend, and exemplified strength, courage, and bravery.
Although cancer had spread throughout half of his body by the time he was 19 months old, he fought to live, undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and removal of a brain tumor in 2015. The family traveled to New York to get the best care for Trucker. Their travels would soon bring Trucker some amazing new friends.
Truckers father, Joshua Dukes, is a Maui firefighter, something that Trucker adored. He and his siblings enjoyed dressing up as firefighters, so proud of their heroic dad. While Trucker and his mother, Shauna Dukes, stayed in New York at the Rondal McDonald House, they encountered New York City firefighters on a call, and Trucker was immediately drawn to them like Disney World.
FDNY Captain Jim Grismer described what happened as Trucker approached him with his mom.
“I see this little boy excitedly walking towards me with his eyes aglow. I opened my arms and he basically climbed up and hugged me around the neck. It was as if we’ve been friends/brothers for years,” FDNY Captain Jim Grismer said to the Huffington Post.
FDNY Captain Jim Grismer hugs Trucker Dukes via Facebook
Trucker Dukes and the firefighters of the FDNY became fast friends, and shortly after his third birthday, he was sworn in as an FDNY honorary firefighter by Commissioner Daniel Nigro.
“This honor is so special to us because Trucker-Boy really thinks he’s a fireman,” Trucker’s mom, Shauna Dukes, said. “We are so blessed to have been adopted by the FDNY.”
Watch Trucker Dukes being sworn in below:
Not only was Trucker an honorary firefighter in New York, but also in Maui, after he was sworn in a year earlier with his father and taken on a ride in the fire engine to the applause of the community.
One day in April in New York, as Shauna and Trucker were headed into another difficult cancer treatment, they spotted the Engine 44 headed out on a call. The firefighters, by that time familiar with Trucker, gave him a ride to the hospital so he wouldn’t be late. You can see how beyond happy he was below.
In 2017, the family decided to bring Trucker back to Maui, where he would spend his final days with his family. On Instagram, they started the #TruckerToughChallenge, and thousands of people put on their best “tough faces” in solidarity with Trucker. On March 3, 2017, he passed away in his mother’s arms.
“We are going to honor him and live our lives as better dads, moms, siblings, husbands, wives and people of God,” read the family’s statement. “We love you little warrior. Run free in heaven with no pain, no tears, no suffering!”
Recently, Shauna Dukes revealed the Trucker Dukes 5K Public Safety Axe Challenge on Instagram. She invited law enforcement, EMS, firefighters, and lifeguards to enroll in February. A run took place in Maui on March 9, 2019, as well as virtual races elsewhere. The race keeps Trucker’s memory alive and supports cancer research.
Shauna shared another photo of Trucker with a T-shirt and an important message about life and loss.
“One person can make a difference, and everyone should try!!” ~JFK
For more, visit the Team Trucker Dukes Supporters Facebook page.
Featured images: Screenshots via Instagram/Facebook