Landenberg resident DJ Riddell is pursuing his dreams of becoming a police officer thanks to a lifesaving kidney donation, writes Matteo Iadonisi for 6abc.
Riddell had dreamed of becoming a law enforcement officer for years. However, his plans were recently paused after getting diagnosed with liver failure.
For treatment, Riddell got in touch with Kidneys for Communities, an organization that connects kidney transplant candidates with living donors. The organization focuses on providing living kidney donations for first responders, farmers, ranchers, and churches.
As an aspiring law enforcement officer, Kidneys for Communities was able to connect Riddell with a donor. On Jan. 15, he received his new kidney.
The donation comes as part of Kidneys for Communities larger plan to spread awareness of kidney disease and transplants in the Philadelphia region.
DJ Riddell’s donor has chosen to remain anonymous for the time being.
Now, Riddell is already back to work making his dreams a reality. He recently visited the Philadelphia Police Training Center to take a tour and partake in police training simulations.
He shared that he hopes to be formally training to become a police officer within the next year and to eventually work as a K9 handler.
Read more about DJ Riddell and the local resident’s recent kidney transplant in 6abc.
_____
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on VISTA.Today in February 2026.
