Comfort Dog Samy Visits Wakefield Schools After Texas Shooting

WAKEFIELD, MA — Elementary schools across the country are on high alert following Tuesday's deadly shooting at a school in Texas, and the Town of Wakefield is no different, the police chief and two superintendents said in a joint statement Wednesday.

In addition to an increased police presence at Wakefield public schools and Northeast Metro Tech, the police department's comfort dog Samy is visiting every Wakefield elementary school Wednesday along with her handler, School Resource Officer Kelley Tobyne.

Samy, an English Labrador, has been in specialized training for her job with Officer Tobyne since May 2021, when she was just a couple months old, according to a Facebook post. From vaccine clinics to school visits, Samy is hard at work bringing smiles and comfort to Wakefield kids.

Wakefield police hope Samy's training will help ease some of the anxiety and fear students, educators and families face in the wake of Tuesday's tragedy.

“We enter our schools with heavy hearts today, and it will be difficult not to think of the needless loss and horror in Texas," David DiBarri, Northeast Metro Tech Superintendent, said. "We are committed to working as a school community to comfort students and staff, and to provide a secure and healthy environment to focus on learning and growth."

Officials are encouraging anyone who sees something they feel is suspicious in the Wakefield community to contact the police department at 781-245-1212.