Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jack.... I was 12 years old when you were so viciously taken from us

DonnaLynn Evans
Neighbor

May 16, 2022

Thank you for your service and please know that your memory and sacrifice are always remembered by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

May 31, 2021

I was the new wife of a SLH police officer when Jack was brutally taken from us. I’ve never forgotten him and the ultimate sacrifice he made protecting those he loved. It’s mostly the music from that time that has me reflecting on Jack and his family. Thank God the police officers in my family all safely retired. God’s blessings to his family and friends. We’ll all meet in Heaven one day.

Wife of a retired SLH police officer
Spring Lake Heights, NJ

May 8, 2021

I’ve known of Jack as long as I can remember.

My mother was his fiancé at the time he was killed. She told me many stories of what a wonderful man he was and she took care of his grave for twenty years after his passing.

I know she grieved immensely and missed him terribly for years.

I’m certain she was unaware he had a son. Although she might be in shock, I think she would be willing to talk and share photos and would be happy to know a part of him lives on.

KN
Ilene’s daughter (Jack’s fiancé)

December 27, 2018

Today is my memorial day. 40 years ago tonight everything changed. For 40 years you have been missed. I missed you long before i knew you were gone and i miss you now and always will. Your memory will survive as long as i am alive for you are still a part of me and i of you. Just after midnight 40 years ago tonight everything changed and much was lost not just for me but for everyone that knew you and for everyone who's life you had touched along the way.

Ptl Officer Jack A. Wright
End of watch: May 31, 1976

Jack Wright
Son

May 31, 2016

I never had the pleasure to meet Jack Wright but I'm deeply aware of the ultimate sacrifice that he made for public safety. He truly represented the finest of our profession. His brave commitment to fight for justice and the safety of others leaves us all extremely proud and he will never be forgotten.

Lieutenant Charles Zulla
Bradley Beach Police Department

May 6, 2016

I never knew my father but I think of him often as I am doing tonight. Coming up on the 40th anniversary of his death. I wish I could have known him, I wish his grandson who also shares his name could have known him. His parents, my grandparents, Adele & Ector have now both passed away. I only knew him through them, unfortunately even my time with them was cut short. I am left missing a man that I never knew and only have limited second hand knowledge of. His absence has left a huge void in my life that never seems to go away. I would dearly appreciate hearing from anyone that knew him or might have old pictures of him that I could get copies of. I have nothing but a few pictures of him at all. I now have some contact with several of my cousins on facebook, Pam & Ellen, but they only have what I have. I am glad to know that I am not the only one who still misses my dad and thinks of him as I often do. I live in Jacksonville, Fl. where he was stationed during his time in the navy. Please contact me on Facebook or email me at [email protected], I would appreciate hearing from anyone who knew him and has any stories to tell about him. Thank you for keeping him in your memories, it means a lot to me.

Jack Wright
Son

March 8, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 31, 2015

Jack, It will be 39 years tomorrow. Yet it seems like yesterday. I am now retired but was a young patrolman and one of the first officer's to arrive on scene as you lay in the street. The victim of the violence you worked at stopping. It made me aware how serious a profession I chose. Your sacrifice made me a better police officer and for that my family and I are greatful . I will always remember your caring way of dealing with people.

Retired
Lonnie Mason/Avon by the Sea PD/Monmouth Co. Prosecutors Office

May 24, 2015

Jack Wright was my boyfriend at NCSU from 1972 - 1973. He was a lot of fun. He was kind, witty, open, handsome, even-tempered, and well-grounded, not at all political, despite the times. He loved Bob Dylan, and was always working, selling programs at ball games, life-guarding, studying, and so forth. His suite mates at Lee Dorm had no chance against him at poker. He made really good grades, and after returning to NCSU after 4 years in the Navy, was on the swim team. He enjoyed eggs and bacon for breakfast and made good coffee. He loved Bradley Beach and he loved his parents. I do not think that he had any idea that he had a son. That would have come up in our years together. When I heard that Jack had been killed, I cried for 3 days, even though I was a newlywed at the time. (My poor husband thought I was a lunatic.) I appreciate that people still remember Jack and honor his service. I hope that he is remembered as a real person. He was unscathed by Vietnam, yet brought down by Americans in his hometown. I am glad the murderers are still in prison, and hope they rot there.

NCSU grad
college girlfriend

July 15, 2014

I did not know officer Jack Wright but reading all of the postings he was a well liked man. A true hero. Celebrities can not hold a light to Mr. Jack wright. I wished I had known him. Even after this many years there is a big void that can't be filled. May God bless his family

I am not a police officer any more
Jeryl/ texas

January 28, 2014

So sad that you're life was cut short yet the savages have lived on for so long. May the world take solace in knowing that one of brothers have died and is burning in hell right now.

LEO

November 30, 2013

I went to high school with jack he was one of the good guy not a "cool" kid or a nerd but not your typical jock just a nice decent guy we should all be more like him if he was my father I'd be proud that's all I can say but contact me if you have any questions

Classmate
Acquaint ice

November 2, 2013

I knew Jack in college. He was a good and honest man. He is one of the people I think about on Memorial Day.

Thomas Curley

May 25, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

June 1, 2012

I remember you, Jack, on this day of May 15, 2012. My prayers are with you.

Ralph Spengler
Cousin

May 15, 2012

To Bob Hughes,

I appreciate the updates on those two pieces of garbage. I hope they have slow painfull deaths and rot in Hell. I think of Jack on occasion, and what might have been. It has been a great loss for the entire family. Words cannot describe the heartache.

Art (cousin)

Cousin

March 31, 2012

Jack it's been five years since I last left a reflection.

Here's an update as to the two pieces of garbage who murdered you on the night of our Nation's Bicentennial, 31 May 76.

Frank T. and Charles E. MILLER are still incarcerated. Both are currently in the East Jersey State Prison in Trenton, NJ. As of the date of this reflection 22OCT11, there is NO scheduled parole date listed.

As I previously stated! As one of the arresting officer's and as long as I can, I will do my best to see that both Frank and Charlie MILLER stay in prison, where they belong.

May the Good Lord continue to watch over you my Brother.

Bob Hughes RETIRED
Bradley Beach, NJ Police/Detective
and
NJ State Investigator for the
Office of the Attorney General

Bob Hughes, State Investigator/Retired
NJ Office of the Attorney General

October 22, 2011

On this night in 1976 he gave his life to protect us. RIP OFFICE JACK A. WRIGHT BRADLEY BEACH POLICE
Jack we miss you I was only 14 but I will never forget you as a lifeguard, firefighter, first aider, friend and as a hero RIP
Today in Railroad Park as you would have know it. We remembered the Vets, The Firefighters, You and Brother Police Sergeant Charles M. Cozzens. We will never let the people forget.

Rev Dr Wayne Edward May FF/EMT
BAradley Beach Fire Department and Bradley Beach First Aid Squad

May 31, 2010

He will always be remembered. My handsome and fun loving cousin.
My Uncle(his Dad)still finds this a hard weekend that changed so many lives and relationships. All hearts are with him this weekend. His Mother has since passed on and has found her peace, at last.They only had their one Handsome child. Peace, Ellen

Ellen-Adele
Cousin

May 30, 2010

When Ptl. Wright was killed, I was the new wife of a SLH police officer. I have never forgotten the event, the days following it, the images from the newspapers and the TV news. With extreme sadness I still can see the image of his fiance exiting the church at his funeral. There are some songs that I hear on the radio that put me right back to that day and all the emotion I felt.
I have always hoped that his family and fiance have come to lead healthy and happy lives.
I will say, with thanks, that my husband and all of the men he worked with are now safely retired. I am eternally grateful for that.

Police Officer's Wife
SLH

May 19, 2010

Rest in peace my Brother.

Kevin t Ryan
NJ

May 31, 2008

My name is Jack Wright, I am the son of officer Jack Wright. Unfortunately I never knew him. I was only 6 at the time of his death. When I tried to find him years later I was sent the news paper article of what happened by his mother/my grand mother. I found this web site by accident today. I am very pleased to know that there are still people out here that think about him as much as I do. I have tried to get in touch with Eileen or any one else who knew my father. I know there are memorials to him in Bradley Beach, I have not been there yet but plan on visiting there one day. I have a 10yr old son now who is also named Jack Wright. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who knew my father.

Jack Wright
Son

February 9, 2008

"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

December 11, 2007

Jack, I did not know you because I was in the military at the time of your murder but I grew up in BB and my family all knew you. My mom sent me the news article which I still have. Over the years I have thought of you often and the circumstances surrounding your death.

After the military I joined the NJ State Dept of Corrections starting my career at Trenton State Prison, where I had crossed paths with Frank & Charlie Miller and no I did not forget why they were there and hopefully they will remain in jail until they breathed their last breath.
I seem to recall before I transferred they were coming up for parole which I am pleased to hear was denied.

RIP brother.

Sr Correction Officer, Ret John DiLello
NJ Dept of Corrections

November 7, 2007