Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Wright,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United State Border Patrol

September 27, 2022

Rest in peace always and know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

September 27, 2020

Proudly mailed my No Parole letter on behalf of Patrolman Wright. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You are never forgotten! God Bless You All.

Allie
Supporter of Law Enforcement
Wife of Corrections Deputy

April 17, 2018

No Parole letter sent....

Yorik Cade

September 3, 2016

Proud to send my No Parole letter today. You have not been forgotten sir and prayers are going up for those you left behind.

Snr. Ptlmn Donnie Meaders (Retired)
Wewoka, OK Police Department

September 2, 2016

I am not in law enforcement. I am a person who had the utmost respect for Patrolman Joe, ad we called him. I am from Person County. I remember my dad speak of Joe many times. I remember daf saying how Patrolman Joe picked him up along the road and dropped my dad at our door so he would be safe. Patrolman Joe was a real Law Officer. I hope his murderer never gets out of prison.

Audrey Palmer
Former resident of Person County.

January 31, 2016

Proud to send my No Parole letter today. Rest in peace brother, we still stand with you. God bless the family, friends, and former co-workers of Patrolman Wright during this time of re-opening a still painful wound. Prayers this murderer stays behind bars for life, and then some.

Sr. Ptlmn (Retired) Donnie Meaders
Wewoka (OK) Police Department

May 7, 2015

Trooper Wright,
Thank you for your dedicated service. Rest in peace my friend.

Lt. J. Wright
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police

May 17, 2013

Your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. Please keep a watchful eye from above.

Detective
Orlando P.D. - Homide Unit

December 10, 2008

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

October 3, 2008

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

August 3, 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 27, 2007

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.

September 27, 2007

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)

September 28, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace, hero.

September 27, 2004

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)

September 7, 2003