Chicopee boy granted wish of an honorary police officer

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – A 7-year-old boy from Chicopee, had a full day of police work after his wish was granted to become an honorary police officer.

Xander has cystic fibrosis which can severely affect the lungs, digestive system, and other organs in the body. In July, the Chicopee Police Department escorted Xander to Raymour and Flanigan for a Disney-jungle-themed party. It was a way to bring some added joy before he left for Walt Disney World Resort, a wish granted by the Make a Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island Foundation.

The Chicopee Police Department also offered Xander a day as an honorary officer, fulfilling his other wish of becoming a police officer. On Tuesday, Xander was made an honorary officer for the day by the Chicopee Police Department.

Xander started his day at the Holyoke Police Academy to begin his career in law enforcement. He was named squad leader and ran the morning exercises including raising the flag. Once Xander received his certificate of completion he was sworn in by Chicopee Mayor John Vieau.

As an official honorary police officer, Xander first helped fly several drones and learn how they are used in critical incidents. Next, he was assigned to traffic enforcement using radar and lidar units to slow traffic down near the police station. Xander even got to take over as the commander of the Underwater Response Team and patrol the Connecticut River.

Bob “the Bike Guy” Charland made a custom Chicopee Police Bike with working lights and a siren for Xander. Using his new bike, Xander patrolled Ray Ash Park with the Chicopee Police Bicycle Unit.

Still on duty, Xander was called to Westover Air Force Base to assist the Massachusetts State Police with getting their helicopter ready for a mission. He was taken on a tour of the aircraft and was able to help drive it out of the hangar.

Thanks to Falls Pizza for lunch, Xander reported back to his training and learned about fingerprinting with the Detective Bureau. Lastly, he assisted the Special Response Team with a high-risk traffic stop and arrested the driver.

A retirement party was held at the end of the day in the training room and Xander was presented with his retirement coin and a cake! “Xander, we all wish you a happy retirement and extend our support to you going forward. It was a pleasure working with you today,” The Chicopee Police Department said on Facebook.

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