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Easton gets birthday to remember from police

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Bucket list, indeed: Easton Stewart was all smiles on his 3rd birthday after police officers answered his mother’s request for a visit at his party

A police-mad little boy who wanted blues and twos for his birthday was set to be disappointed — until big-hearted officers stepped in to make his day.

Mom Catherine Stewart said she had approached the police service to see if they could spare an officer to attend the party — but was told none were available.

After she posted a plea on Facebook, police media relations manager Dwayne Caines stepped in to help Easton mark his 3rd birthday in style with flashing blue lights and sirens — “blues and twos” — at a party at the family’s home in Smith’s yesterday.

Ms Stewart said: “We were just hoping for maybe an officer with a couple of flashing lights to stop by and say hi.

She added: “They delivered. It shows the heart of the community. It really just speaks volumes to their proactive community service.”

Ms Stewart, 32, was speaking after a team of motorcycle officers surprised Easton at his party.

She said: “I was not expecting that at all.”

Mr Caines said he had been made aware of Ms Stewart’s post by a member of the public and later tagged on the post by another. He added: “I took the responsibility of making contact with a police officer to see if anyone was interested.

“I got no less than 16 officers who called to volunteer on their own time.”

Mr Caines said several of the volunteers were on parade for the party.

He added that six motorcycle officers from the roads policing unit on duty yesterday for the Bermuda Marathon Weekend also agreed to give up their break time to visit little Easton.

He said: “It shows the power of a mom and the beauty of innocence, as well as the gift of community spirit.”

Mr Caines added: “It should be noted that many officers do similar things in their own time without fanfare and they are happy to bring a smile to a young person’s face.”

Calvin Smith, staff officer to Commissioner of Police Stephen Corbishley, said community work was a regular part of the role of officers.

Mr Smith said: “We’re a part of the community — we don’t just do the law enforcement part.

He added: “We’ll take this call 1,000 times a day.”

Mr Smith said the officers who attended the party enjoyed the experience. He added: “This is something Easton will remember for the rest of his life.

“We know how important this is to the growth of a child and to be part of it is just awesome.”

Mr Smith added that the party was also an opportunity to help forge good relationships with members of the community at a young age.

Community outreach: several Bermuda Police Service officers attended Easton Stewart’s 3rd birthday party yesterday (Photograph submitted)