Rick Smith, Chief of Police
1 Union St.
Wakefield, MA 01880
For Immediate Release
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]
Wakefield Police Receive 17 Guns at Buyback Event
Guns to be Destroyed, Owners Receive Gift Checks
Wakefield Police Chief Rick Smith announces the successful completion of a gun buyback event, which resulted in the permanent retirement of 17 guns.
“Taking unwanted firearms out of circulation is a win for police, families, and our entire community,” Chief Smith said. “This buyback represents 17 guns that will never be stolen, mishandled, lost, or used to harm anyone, ever.”
Wakefield Police took in five handguns, including .45 and .22 cal pistols and a black powder handgun. They also took in 12 long guns, including .22 cal rifles, 12 gauge shotguns, and an M-14 carbine.
Chief Smith would like to express his thanks to Lieutenant Scott Reboulet, Detective Ken Silva, and the town’s recently retired parking clerk and long-time gun expert Mike Nasella, who staffed the event all day on Saturday, May 17.
The program was made possible by the kindness and generosity of Barbara Laramie of Wakefield. Mrs. Laramie was so moved by the December 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Newtown, Connecticut that she offered to fund the $2600 for the program – $100 for each of the victims.
Saturday’s buyback was the second of two events, which have combined to retire more than two dozen guns in Wakefield.
Gun buyback programs represent an opportunity for residents to safely dispose of working guns that are no longer used, needed, or wanted. The firearms will be destroyed before they fall into the wrong hands, possibly resulting in a tragedy. The residents who turned in firearms received $50 and $100 American Express Gift Checks.
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