 | Patrolman Joseph Griffin Wright
North Carolina Highway Patrol
North Carolina
Wednesday, September 27, 1972 |
Your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. Please keep a watchful eye from above. Detective
Orlando P.D. - Homide Unit
2008-12-10
Joe was my dad, we were going to the lake on our new boat, but that didn't happen. I came home from school on 9/27/72 and found out my dad had been killed by James Henry Snead. I look at his picture and can't hardley remember the things that I wish I could. I miss you Dad.
Love,
Wallace Wallace Wright
son
2008-10-03
Trooper Wright thanks for your call to duty, for laying down your life for others. You will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace brother.
Forever D131 Ptl. P.D Robbins
Forest City Police Dept. Forest City, NC
2008-08-03
"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
2007-12-27
TROOPER WRIGHT, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE AND SERVICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
2007-09-27
To the family and friends of Patrolman Joseph Wright and fellow officers in the North Carolina Highway Patrol., and most especially to Patrolman Wright:
Today has been thirty three years and one day since the brutal murder of Patrolman Wright. His valor and bravery will never be forgotten. His memory is being honored and revered today.
This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of distinquished service Officer Wright gave to his community and the citizens of North Carolina, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 27, 1972.
Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05
(both Larry and I are N.C. natives)
2005-09-28
On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.
Rest in peace, hero.
2004-09-27
Rest easy, Troop. You are not forgotten, nor will you ever be. Thank you for your service. Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)
2003-09-07
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