The following is an announcement from the Wakefield Police Department:

The Wakefield Police Department is pleased to announce the completion of our Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training that ran during the week of September 17-21. This comprised 40 hours of training for ten officers that focused on a wide range of topics including mental illness, substance abuse, adolescent issues, trauma, suicide, and a host of other topics. Wakefield is one of the first departments in the Commonwealth to have a fully trained CIT team. Funding for this was provided through a grant obtained from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. We continue our partnership with Eliot Community Health Services and Riverside Community Care to provide appropriate assistance for those in need. This model began in Memphis, TN and has gained national recognition for its effectiveness.

The partnership that has developed with these outside agencies began approximately two years ago by then Deputy Chief Jack MacKay and has grown ever since. Collaboration with experts in the field combined with a dedicated group of officers has been the cornerstone of our program. We are committed to providing the best services possible to all members of our community and we are confident that this team will continue to further our mission. Members of the CIT are Sgt. Kevin McCaul, Det. Ken Silva, Off. Matthew Warren, Off. Amy Toothaker, Off. Kelley Tobyne, Off. John Whaley, Off. Robert Haladay, Off. Jason Skillings, Off. Kevin Flynn, and Off. Joseph Lyons,