A Virginia police officer is on a mission to help others, particularly those who have suffered from domestic violence, even after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
Despite facing her own health challenges, Sergeant Dallas Greeson is resolved to leave a positive impact on the community. A native of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, she has spent her career in uniform, first serving in the Air Force and then as a police officer with the Norfolk Police Department in Virginia.
Throughout her career, Greeson has always wanted to help those in need.
“I saw a lot of abuse when I was growing up, and I wanted to be the change in the world,” Greeson told WAVY News, reflecting on her motivation to join the police force.
Tragically, her personal life has been touched by cancer. Her mother passed away from lung cancer at the young age of 34. Greeson’s own battle with cancer began this spring, when a routine department-required physical revealed a concerning issue with her right lung.
“Had it not been for my work physical, I would have gone another two to three years not knowing the cancer was growing inside my body,” Greeson reflected.
The diagnosis was particularly distressing, as it marked the second serious health issue discovered during the mandatory exam. Along with the cancer, Greeson was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder known as Ankylosing Spondylitis, which has left her in constant pain and impaired her vision.
As a single mother, Greeson’s inability to work has taken a toll on her family, especially her two teenage sons. Sidelined by two debilitating illnesses, she turned to the community for support through a GoFundMe campaign titled “Let’s Beat This Cancer,” which has raised more than $20,000 thus far to help her cover medical bills and care for her children during her time off work.
Despite her challenges, Greeson has found herself surrounded by a supportive network of fellow first responders. She expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of love and assistance from the Norfolk Police Department, Norfolk Fire and Rescue, the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office and dispatchers, all of whom have rallied to support her in her time of need.
Greeson underwent surgery on October 26 to remove half of her lung and lymph nodes, and remains optimistic about her recovery and her future in law enforcement.
“I have no doubt in my mind that I will be able to, once I heal, return to work full duty and continue my career with the Norfolk Police Department,” she said.
Her dedication to helping people continues to be the driving force behind her commitment to the community.
“Being on the police department, you get to move around in different positions, and experiencing those positions and helping people in different ways is rewarding. More often than not, I find myself happy and excited. This is why I signed up; this is why I joined the police department and that is to help people.”
