Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Cpl. Wainwright,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Georgia. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

August 19, 2024

Rest in peace Corporal Wainwright.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 28, 2022

Thank you for your service and rest in peace always knowing that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten.

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

August 19, 2020

I met Rocky in the early 1990's. He checked our hunting property several times. I had recently gotten out of the military. I recall on my military performance evaluations one of my goals was to become a game warden.
Rocky was kind enough to give me his telephone number and I called him numerous times to get information on the best things that I could do to accomplish my goal. He talked with me for hours and gave me pointers. He helped me to prepare for the written test and he was also the background investigator for my hiring package. I guess he did a wonderful job as I was hired on January 1st 1993 (14th Ranger Academy). I served 22 years with the department in the Law Enforcement Section now Law Enforcement Division. Thanks to all the help that you gave me Rocky. I have the utmost respect for you and your kind hearted ways. It doesn't surprise me that you were helping search for a suspected murdered child when your accident happened. I would love to hear from your family if they would ever be willing to contact me. Stay Safe

Retired Corporal Jesse Cook
Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Law Enforcement Division

August 8, 2017

Dear dad, I try everyday and be more like you as a true reflection as Christ I never had much time to get to know you but everyday my heart thinks about you. I never was old enough to know you personally but hearing people compliment you, roaming through the attic and my room, listening to story's from Granny and Grandfather, uncle Ross makes my heart melt to of known you more. I know you we're an awesome father, husband, son, and a child of God fulfilling your will. I love you and strive everyday to be like you and the almighty father also.

Austin J Wainwright
Son

December 6, 2012

I miss and think of you everyday.
I love you, Daddy!

Laranda Wainwright
Daughter

November 25, 2012

Rest in Peace, Corporal Wainwright. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 30, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

February 3, 2012

Rocky- You were a testament to the profession. I can speak personally that you treated me with the utmost respect when we happened to cross paths. Your desire to do "what was right" was evident at all times in how you lived your life. You will be forever missed, but your memory will also live forever in our hearts. RIP.

Mike Michaelson, Sen. Officer Specialist
Federal Bureau of Prisons

July 5, 2011

On the 9th anniversary of Corporal Wainwright's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Corporal Wainwright is not forgotten.

Agent Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

August 19, 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 26, 2007

"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 t

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 26, 2007

GOOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

HANK
RN

August 7, 2007

R.I.P

Daniel Torres
Georgia Dept. Natural Resources PRHS Division

July 8, 2007

To the family and loved ones of Corporal Rocky Daren Wainwright and his fellow officers with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources:

On this the seventh anniversary of Rocky's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. Rocky's professionalism and dedication will never be forgotten.

In reading the loving reflections left by his friends and co-workers I can see that he was very well respected and is sorely missed. I hope that God is holding him in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

I am so sorry that Rocky was robbed of his life so tragically, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Rocky gave to his community and the citizens of Georgia, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 19, 1999.

Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD
eow 4/24/05

August 21, 2006

Dear Rocky,
I was in an airport on a mission trip when I heard of the tragedy that took your life. I will never forget the deep sadness that came over me. I remember you as a member of my church when you first started with the DNR. I remember the times we spent together just having fun. I remember the time you spent with my two year old daughter. By the way, she turned twenty one today.
You were part of the family, and much loved by us all.
I also remember the confidence others had in you as they elected you to be a member of the Church and Pastors' Counsel. I watched live out your faith.
Why you were taken is a question that will remain unanswered for a while, but, beloved brother, we shall meet again.
Until Then,
Tim Hicks

Deputy Sheriff/Chaplain Tim Hicks
Emanuel County Sheriff's Office

March 25, 2006

Corporal Wainwright your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Care now. May you rest in peace brother....God Bless !!

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

March 22, 2006

Miss you man . You were a great guy and a better friend.

Curtis Ericson
just a friend

February 7, 2006

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

April 14, 2005

God Bless you.

March 12, 2005

Rocky, Man I was just thinking about you the other day. I learned alot from you for that time we worked in Pike County. God Bless You and you family Rocky.

Inv K Purkey
Fayette Co SD

January 27, 2005

Rocky, I have only met you once during my carreer with the Dept. and that was during a summer camp for kids in 1999. The only thing that I can reflect on is the thought that when someone is in need of help. I usually forget about my own safety, and try to respond to the call as quickly as possible. I too want to make a difference by protecting and serving the public in the best of my abilities.

RFC Mickey Adkins
Georgia Department of Natural Resources

March 16, 2004

Corporal, I remember when you were hired with DNR law Enforcement section. My dad, Colonel Steve K. Black, (Chief of Law Enforcement GA DNR ,retired) knew that you had the "right Stuff" and you proved yourself during your career.
You and I shared time together and I was at dads house when the phone call came in about the accident. White faces and "I'll be damn", is all that could be said for moments that seemed to go on forever. Rocky, any time you want to go hunt or fish, my truck has a vacant seat, deerstand is ready, and the boat has an extra rod and plenty of room.
You will not be forgotten............

Pfc. Eric S. Black
Cartersville Police Department

November 24, 2003