WEST YELLOWSTONE – On Sept. 15, 9-year-old Sarah Simons of Texas was sworn in as Montana’s first ever honorary game warden. The ceremony occurred at the community center in West Yellowstone during a vacation to Yellowstone National Park with her family.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Chief of Law Enforcement Ron Howell presided over the ceremony and administered the oath of office to Sarah in front of her family and several other Montana game wardens. Upon completing the oath of office, Sarah was immediately promoted to the rank of sergeant.

According to her website, www.sarahswarriors.com, Sarah has been interested in law enforcement since she was very young. She also has battled severe life-threatening, incurable diseases since birth. While undergoing treatment police officers from New Jersey sent her a “battle box” of gifts and items to encourage her to keep fighting. After receiving this box, Sarah’s mission became clear, to pay it forward and to send battle boxes to other kids fighting life-threatening diseases. Her mission has grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity dedicated to sending packages to other children.

“Sarah’s courage in the face of life-threatening adversity and her selfless dedication to helping others are in keeping with the highest traditions of law enforcement and exemplify the values that Montana game wardens live by,” said Howell. “Sarah is an inspiration to us all and we are honored to have her join our ranks.”

For more information about Sarah and her mission, go to www.sarahswarriors.com or visit her Facebook page.