Amanda Dunne wasn’t sure what to expect for her son’s fifth birthday.

Because of social distancing rules during the coronavirus pandemic, Anthony Turner wasn’t able to celebrate with a birthday party like his family had hoped on Sunday.

In the days leading up to the occasion, Dunne posted a message on a Facebook group saying anyone who could drive by their Mississauga home and honk for Anthony would be appreciated.

Much to her delight, officers from Peel Regional Police’s 11 Division, which is located within walking distance from their home, showed up in 10 cruisers with their lights and sirens activated as a way of wishing the youngster a happy birthday.

“He was screaming hysterically, jumping up and down,” Dunne said. “He loves firemen, police cars and things like that, so it was a huge surprise for him. They even gave him a gift — a Lego firetruck with like 1,200 pieces. He’s playing with that every single hour of the day now.”

Dunne said at first there were a few concerned neighbours wondering what was happening when the cruisers arrived, but those concerns diminished once they realized the reason they showed up.

On top of the police appearance, there were several cars that drove by and honked during the afternoon. Dunne said there were also people they’ve never met who came with presents.

“I’ll never forget that day and I don’t think Anthony will either,” she said. “I don’t think we’ll ever top that.”