OXFORD – Theron Bickford couldn’t let go of the public safety business.

After a hand injury forced him to leave his job as a sergeant with the Oxford Police Department, he opened a business with his wife, Stacey, supplying public safety officials and nurses with supplies they need for their jobs.

At Western Maine Public Safety Supply Inc. at 1458 Main St., or Route 26, in Oxford, Bickford takes care of stocking the store with work boots, handcuffs, leather gear, radio straps and other necessities. Stacey, an emergency room nurse at Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway, takes care of stocking nursing uniforms.

They already have nurses’ uniforms with a Christmas theme.

On Friday, Theron was on the phone making a deal on a bulk supply of hard hats for a local business. His dog, Gullivar, hung out beside him.

Theron said they came up with the business venture a few years ago and decided to act on it once he retired. When his hand was severely cut on a saw at his home in Oxford last fall, ending his law enforcement career, they expedited their plans. The store opened Aug. 7.

“I can’t do the (public safety) business on the street anymore,” Bickford said. “I might as well bring it inside.”

The plan was to start small and grow slowly. The store has already had good business, and they are expanding their product selection.

“Each week gets a little better,” Theron said.

Departments order items in bulk. In November he hopes to add an embroidery service.

He said he wants to expand to carry industrial supplies as well. He will also make special orders for people.

“If I don’t have it I can get it,” he said.