Revere-based Horses and Heroes Foundation donates “Wakefield Strong” in honor of officers’ bravery

Special to the Advocate

Two officers were recognized, and the Revere-based nonprofit Horses and Heroes Foundation donated a horse in recognition of the officers’ acts at Lake Quannapowitt on Sunday afternoon. Horses and Heroes Foundation President Skyllar Mulvaney said last Wednesday that honorees Wakefield Police Detectives Christopher Grace and John Ryan both were the recipients of the Trooper George L. Hanna Memorial Awards for Bravery — The Medal of Honor — from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (in 2022).

“The medal of honor is the highest award for bravery,” Mulvaney said. “This was in reference to a murder in Wakefield on Jan. 19, 2021.”

“On this unfortunate day, our officers acted calm under pressure and difficult circumstances to end a threat to their safety and then successfully save the life of the person who attempted to harm them,” Wakefield Police Chief Steven Skory said last Wednesday. “The horse, named ‘Wakefield Strong,’ represents a community that is still healing and recognizes the extraordinary work of our committed police officers.” Adding that the case hasn’t gone to trial, Skory said the Wakefield Police Department is honored to have the Horses and Heroes Foundation donate a horse to the Chicago Police Department in recognition of the acts of his officers on January 19, 2021.

“This horse represents all of the Wakefield officers who responded to and who will be forever affected by the sad events of that day,” Skory said. “Being a police officer is often a thankless job, but these guys have done it with pride and integrity.”

Skory recognized the officers’ families, as it takes a toll on them as well. He added that Wakefield Strong represents the healing process from that day. He said the detectives saved the officers’ life.

In 2021 suspect Timothy Martin, who is accused of killing his mother Pamela Wood, was shot by police when he charged at officers with a knife above his head, according to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.

Police went to their basement and found Wood, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

As officers called for backup, a suspect identified as Martin emerged from a corner of the basement, according to the Middlesex District Attorney. Martin allegedly ran at Officer Kelly Toybne, Officer Kevin McCull, Lt. Scott ReBoulet, Detective Ken Silva and Officer Meghan Roberts as he held a knife above his head. Martin reportedly refused to put the knife down, and the two detectives discharged their weapons.

During the ceremony on Sunday, Mulvaney said Wakefield Strong and other dedicated horses serve as living tributes, ensuring the continued remembrance of law enforcement personnel for their remarkable bravery. “It is important to recognize that not only humans face risks on the front lines; mounted patrol horses also bear symbols of service through their buckles and badges,” Mulvaney said to the crowd. “We look to people like [Grace and Ryan] for protection when tragedy strikes, and we say thank you for giving us the sense of security we enjoy often at the expense of your own safety.”

Grace said it’s an honor to be recognized. Ryan said the dedication has been in the making for a few years. Ryan’s daughter, Emily, said that was a tough day for their family, adding that it means a lot to have them supported.

“It’s nice to see everyone smiling,” Emily said. “It does bring back sad memories, too.”

Hanover resident Christopher Squibb, who owns MWS Horse Transport, said Wakefield Strong will go to Westwood for a week before he drives him to Chicago.

Town Councillor John Carney said Grace and Ryan exemplify the workforce, adding that he couldn’t be prouder. “I’m proud of this department,” Carney said.