READ MORE: Food truck competition exceeds expectations
In the early part of 1987, Clark County was selected as one of three counties state-wide to pilot an academy program. Most such training was done at Clark State Community College or at the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy in London.
It was instituted that April with 14 members.
“We were really proud of the deputies we instructed,” said John Loney, a retired lieutenant with the sheriff’s office who was a school commander. “Brian was an exceptional young man and I thought he’d make a good deputy.”
MORE: Screen goes dark but the memories live on
Buxton, a graduate of Shawnee High School and Springfield-Clark County Joint Vocational School, worked as an auto mechanic and got to know several deputies, including Loney, who he grew up near.
Law enforcement was taking on new challenges and Loney encouraged Buxton.
RELATED: ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ author JD Vance to speak in Springfield
“I wanted to help people as a kid and this was the bump I needed,” Buxton said. “John was a mentor to me and a big reason I took the job. I tried to be like him and how he treated people.”
After a lot of thought, Buxton accepted and started as a part-time deputy working at the jail in November 1986 with the goal of working full-time. The chance came quickly.
During the mid 1980s, law enforcement began emphasizing several new areas including domestic violence, neglected and abused children and rape crisis intervention, with crack cocaine also emerging.
DETAILS: Tony Award winner ‘Kinky Boots’ to step into Springfield
The trainees gathered at the public safety building, where they were instructed by local sheriffs and Springfield police personnel. County prosecutors with a focus on judicial aspects also served as instructors, according to Loney.
After 12 weeks of training, each class member graduated in late June and received full-time assignments.
“The academy was quite an experience,” Buxton said. “It was neat to be a part of that first and only class and be the last one still working.”
There wouldn’t be another class done directly through the sheriff’s office due to costs. Local training soon returned to Clark State.
The classmates stayed tight and often socialized. They have gone on to other things and a few have passed away.
Buxton worked at the Clark County Jail for about nine years, then went on to work for the road division and later for the child support agency.
He admits some days he had doubts about his career choice, even losing some friends who became leery of his new job. But the department’s flexibility in letting him vary his work kept him fresh.
“I felt like a rich man when I got those first paychecks. There was good insurance and I met wonderful people,” he said. “I was surrounded by the right people and family who supported me.”
Already a Harley Davidson enthusiast, Buxton got a further incentive when department officials let him ride a Harley it acquired for his child support rounds, creating good public relations.
“It was always a conversation piece and it was an honor to be allowed to use it,” Buxton said.
Buxton, known as Buck by colleagues, was known for his firearm choice. When he began training, revolvers were standard issue, but later replaced by semi-automatics.
He preferred the revolver and carried it until his final day, saying it was a reliable gun, although coworkers joked it was like something from a western.
“He was quick, nobody laughed at that,” said Loney.
While he can’t completely eliminate the tough things he saw during his career, Buxton is proud to have helped kids and taken drugs off the streets. There were funny incidents too.
He was called to Catawba in 2000 to track down a loose llama on a hot July day and the story made the News-Sun and eventually the Associated Press wire. Buxton received an envelope from Australia from a person who read the story and thought enough to write him.
“I was blown away by a stranger knowing who I was from that far away,” he said.
His law enforcement journey came full circle when Deb Burchett was elected Clark County Sheriff in November 2016. The two worked together for several years.
“I’ve worked with so many wonderful people and had the honor to work for three sheriffs,” Buxton said.
While Buxton admits retirement hasn’t fully hit him yet, he wants to eventually work part-time, perhaps travel with his girlfriend and ride his Harley.
“I’ll be ready for the next chapter,” he said.
About the Author