Halloween Costume Leads to Special Gift for Officer Danny

LISBON – A Halloween costume crafted from a large cardboard box led to a Christmas to remember for Danny Adams, who resides at the Lisbon IRA, operated by United Helpers Behavioral Health and Life Skills. 

The costume, a police car, was crafted from the box in order to fit over Mr. Adams’ wheel chair. It was created by Jordan Downing-Duke, who serves as program manager at the IRA.

Mrs. Downing-Duke’s father-in-law, Terry Downing serves as a police officer in Taunton, Mass., and was inspired by a picture of a smiling Mr. Adams in his “police car.” He mentioned the photo to some of his fellow officers and what came next is enough to put a smile on the face of even the most hardened criminal.

Mr. Adams is now the proud owner of an official officer’s uniform shirt, hat, toque, and reflective vest from the Taunton Police Department.

“He loved how excited Danny was to be a police officer,” Mrs. Downing-Duke said, referring to Mr. Downing’s reaction to the photo of Mr. Adams in his costume.

Earlier this week Mr. Adams was presented with his new police gear and the Halloween smiles returned. Mrs. Downing-Duke then took some photos to share with her father-in-law.

“We brought a smile to someone's face and made his day a little brighter. It doesn't get any better than that,” Mr. Downing said after seeing photos of Officer Danny. “Unfortunately, in my job I seldom see smiles or happy people. So, spreading a little sunshine is a thrill."