Christmas came early for one Scarborough man this week, thanks to the Saco Police Department.

James “Jamie” Buxton had always dreamed of being a police officer, but was unable to do so because of his intellectual disability.

His clinician at Granite Bay Care (GBC) discovered this dream, and contacted Lisa Bird, GBC’s law enforcement relations liaison. Bird reached out to the Saco Police Department, who was “very quick to respond,” offering to give Buxton a tour of the police department and a ride in a cruiser.

On Wednesday, Buxton was an “officer for a day.” He met Saco Police Chief Jack Clements and other personnel at the police station at 20 Storer St. Police Officer Amanda Condon gave him a tour of the building and took him for a ride in a police cruiser.

Buxton got an up-close look at all the operations. He saw the shooting range in the basement where police conduct firearms practice, learned about the breath alcohol testers and the fingerprinting equipment, and got to check out a holding cell. He and GBC staff laughed as they posed in front of the booking photo station.

Jamie Buxton poses with Saco Police Officer Amanda Condon in front of a police cruiser on Wednesday. PHOTO BY LIZ GOTTHELF

Buxton was all smiles when Condon showed him how to flip the lights on in the police car. He is a fan of crime shows, and listened intently to the police officer as she told him about the daily operations of a real-life police department.

“He asked a lot of good questions,” said Condon.

Buxton said he learned a lot at his visit to the Saco Police Department.

“That was fun,” he said.

His favorite part?

“The crime lab,” he said.

Bird, as GBC’s law enforcement liaison, has been working with members of law enforcement and emergency medical services in the communities where GBC has homes. The agency has included law enforcement officers to staff trainings, including them in fun events, and worked with them to problem-solve in areas that need work, said Bird.

“We are so incredibly appreciative of the kindness and generosity shown by Saco PD to help make Jamies’ dream come true,” said Bird. “This opportunity expands beyond granting a lifelong wish. It is an example of what we here at GBC are working toward: creating, growing, and nurturing relationships for the individuals we support and our staff, with Police and EMS outside of a crisis. In addition to the fun experience, Jamie also had the chance for mutual conversations which will promote and encourage future positive interactions.”

Granite Bay Care, Inc. is a multi-state human service agency providing intensive clinical, nursing, residential, and community-based support services to adults with cognitive, intellectual, mental health, and physical disabilities. The agency currently provides residential care in over 75 homes in Maine.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.