Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We were all so surprised when his memorial came about. Perry Wyrick ( Dad said he never used John), was my great grandfather as well. Our father Ralph Arnett was his grandson, and until the memorial, Dad had never spoken of him. It was just too deep a wound.

I will never forget the tears in my father's eyes, when Perry was honored at the cemetery, the official gun salute, and Dad being handed the American flag. In all my life, that was one of only 3 times I can recall, that my father had cried. He kept that flag with him, until shortly before his death, and he finally opened up about the grandfather he had loved, and deeply missed.

I am humbled to now be the person to care for that flag, and so honored to know, that our great grandfather was a hero, and the first Midland, TX officer, to give his life, in service of our community.

My deepest thanks to all those who finally brought his story, and a piece of my family's history, and Midland's history back to life. Thank you so much, to all those who serve and protect us. God bless you and your families! Stay safe!!

Becky McDonald
Great Granddaughter

February 16, 2023

I want to thank everyone for the kind words to my Great Grandfather John Perry Wyrick (aka) Perry Wyrick. Thank you Officer Aaron Smith and everyone involved in finding so much information about him.
Sincerely, his Great Granddaughter Alycia Vasquez

Alycia Y Vasquez
Great Granddaughter

April 13, 2020

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

March 7, 2019

Officer Wyrick,
On today, the 80th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Midland. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 10, 2015

This was my great grandfather and the first Midland police officer to fall in the line of duty. His sacrifice went unnoticed for over 7 decades. I am proud of him, and so proud that my father was able to be at the service honoring him before he passed away. Thank you so much for his place in history being written! May God be with the families, friends and police brethern, of all the officers who have given their lives to protect us, and with the officers who continue to protect us now! My Father has since passed away. I was and am so very proud of them both. And to all the fallen that have come since my grandfather. Thank you to the officers that found this information for my family.

Alycia Vasquez
Great Granddaughter

May 14, 2015

This was my great grandfather and the first Midland police officer to fall in the line of duty. His sacrifice went unnoticed for over 7 decades. I am proud of him, and so proud that my father was able to be at the service honoring him before he passed away. Thank you so much for his place in history being written! May God be with the families, friends and police brethern, of all the officers who have given their lives to protect us, and with the officers who continue to protect us now!

Becky McDonald
Great Grand Daughter

October 10, 2014

Officer Wyrick,
Sir, it even though it has been 77 years since your End of Watch you are still honored and remembered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Midland.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 3, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 76th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 11, 2011

I read this in the Midland Reporter-Telegram dated 12.16.07, and I leave in Dallas. It is never too late to honor all of our Police Officers. I want to thank Officer Aaron Smith and everyone involved for their endless research to finally honor Officer Wyrick. I do not have a loved one that is a Dallas Police Officer but know a few. I try to attend our fallen officers day each year in Dallas. To all the Officers out there, THANK YOU for your training, your families and your service to us all.

Karen M.

December 26, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 5, 2007

It has been a very long time and certainly overdue. I live in Odessa but want to thank you for your service in Midland. Thank you for a job well done.

Robert
Citizen

May 30, 2007

Officer Wyrick,
It has taken over 71 years, but you are finally being honored. I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Midland.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

May 11, 2007

What you did in service to your community meant more than you'd ever guess - Thank you so much for your service.

Sgt Don "Boots" Jensen Retired
Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee, WI

May 8, 2007

Hero' never die; They just take on new assignments.

GOD Bless you and your family.

Officer Paladino
Colorado Springs PD

May 8, 2007

Hero's never die; They just take on new assignments.

GOD Bless you and your family.

Officer Paladino
Colorado Springs PD

May 8, 2007

Sir, thank you for your service to Midland Police Department and for your brave sacrifice.

PSO CW Edwards
North Augusta Dept. of Public Safety (SC)

May 7, 2007