Bergen Gold Medal-Winner Jack Wallace Honored By Freeholders

FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ — Resident Jack Wallace was honored by the county Freeholder Board Wednesday for winning a gold medal in Paralympic Winter Games earlier this year.

Wallace is a forward on the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team that won a third consecutive gold medal at the games. Team USA defeated Team Canada 2-1 in overtime in the gold-medal game. Wallace played more than 26 minutes in the game.

“Jack Wallace not only took home a gold medal for America, but he has become an inspiration for all — especially those of us in Bergen County,” Freeholder Chairman Thomas Sullivan said at the work session. “Jack is a true example of how hard work will allow you to achieve anything you dream of, no matter how young you are.”

Wallace enjoyed playing ice hockey before he lost his right leg in a boating accident in July 2008. He was in a coma initially, but recovered and started playing Para ice hockey in 2009. He first heard about the sport while at Camp No Limits in Maine. When he returned home from the camp he joined a local team. He worked his way up the ranks and was named to the Men's National Paralympic Team.

The Borough of Franklin Lakes threw Wallace a parade in his honor in March.

"On behalf of the people of Bergen County, I am proud to congratulate Jack Wallace and his teammates and thank them for representing their fellow Americans so well on the international stage," said County Executive James Tedesco.

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Photo: Jack Wallace, his gold medal around his neck, is congratulated by Freeholder Chairman Thomas Sullivan (Courtesy of Bergen County Freeholder Board)