THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 18, 2023 Page 7 Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli recognized by Massachusetts Legislature for his Anti-Defamation League of New England & Ed Community Service Award E arlier this year, Saugus Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli was recognized by the New England Regional Office of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for his commitment to his colleagues and community to deal with hate, discrimination and intolerance. The Chief was awarded the ADL New England & Ed Community Service Award for his outstanding service to the town of Saugus, encouraging acceptance and unity. Last year the Chief was quick in his response after an anti-Semitic incident; he jumped right in by helping organize a vigil and put up a menorah in town. On Monday, State Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) OLD SACHEM | FROM PAGE 6 which continued the hostilities among the families. Acting Constable “Cap” Hatfield and a friend, Tom Wallace, broke into the house of Bruce Daniels and attacked his wife, Mary, a sister of Jeff McCoy. Jeff McCoy learned of the attack in 1886 while he was running from authorities for the murder of a mail carrier, Fred Walford. Jeff was shot and killed by Cap Hatfield on the banks of Tug Fork. Jake and Larkin McCoy arrested Tom Wallace for the beating of Mary Daniels, but he escaped from the jail. The feud continued and reached a peak by the 1888 New Year’s Night Massacre when Cap and a group of Hatfields surrounded the Randolph McCoy cabin and began shooting at it. The McCoys awoke and began firing back, then the Hatfields burned the cabin, forcing the McCoys to battle outside. Most of the McCoy family were able to get away, but two of Randolph’s sons were killed by the Hatfields. In the decade between 1880 and 1891, more than a dozen members between the two families were killed. The Governors of the two states threatened to gather militias and capture the opposing families, but it never happened. After the massacre, the Pike County Deputy Sheriff, Frank Philipps, rode with a posse across the state line into West Virginia to catch Anse’s group. The first killed by the deputy was Lance Hatfield. Philipps and State Representatives Donald Wong (R-Saugus) and Jessica Giannino (D-Revere) visited the Saugus Police Station with citations from the House and Senate commending his prestigious award. “ This recognition is well-deserved and a true testament to Chief Ricciardelli’s dedication to fostering a safe and united community,” said Senator Crighton. “We are so grateful for his leadership that continues to promote acceptance and combat hate.” “We are proud of Chief Ricciardelli for his commitment to serve the Town of Saugus and to keep our communiAWARD | SEE PAGE 9 continued raids on Hatfield houses and their supporters, capturing many and killing three Hatfield supporters. The families faced each other in the battle of Grapevine Creek and the Hatfields were apprehended. On August 23, 1888, eight of the Hatfields and friends were indicted for the murder of Randolph’s young daughter. The United States Supreme Court became involved on the issues of due process and illegal extradition in the case of Mahon v. Justice, 127 U.S. 700, 1888. The decision of the Court was in favor of Kentucky, 7-2, holding that even if a fugitive is returned from the asylum state illegally instead of through lawful extradition procedure no federal law prevents him from being tried. The men were tried in Kentucky and all were found guilty. Seven received life imprisonment, and of the eight Ellison Mounts was hanged. After the hanging of Mounts, fighting between the families eased, but trials continued into 1901 when Johnse Hatfield was sentenced to life imprisonment for involvement in the New Year’s Massacre. The families finally got together in 1979 for competing in the TV game show Family Feud. They played for a cash prize and a pig that was onstage during the game. The McCoy family won the weeklong series, three games to two. The Hatfields made the most money, $11,272, while the McCoys captured $8,459. A decision was made to give Saugus Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli is shown holding a Citation from the Massachusetts Senate; from left to right are State Representatives Donald Wong and Jessica Giannino and State Senator Brendan Crighton. the McCoy family $11,273 for their winnings. The area of Tug Fork of the Big Sandy River has become a tourist attraction. Great-greatgreat-grandsons Bo McCoy and Ron McCoy – of Randolph McCoy – organized a joint family reunion of the Hatfield and McCoy families in 2000, which became a national event of more than 5,000 people in attendance. (Editor’s Note: Bill Stewart, better known to Saugus Advocate readers as “The Old Sachem,” writes a weekly column about sports – and sometimes he opines on current or historical events or famous people.) 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