Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Ken Wright, Sr.

Bradley County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee

End of Watch Sunday, August 22, 1971

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Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Ken Wright, Sr.

Deputy Sheriff 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 WW II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 22, 2021

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Wright.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 25, 2021

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

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

August 22, 2020

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 42nd anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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 Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

March 26, 2013

Papaw was taken away from us way to early. The circumstances were so unfair. He left behind 6 small grandchildren who to this day, miss him more than we can say. We will see you again papaw. Love ya!!

Tonia
grand-daughter

May 24, 2012

"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

January 29, 2008

I never really knew you sir, but your Loyalty, your Honor and your Courage have always been an inspiration to me. I grew up hearing my grandfather and my mother talk about what a great man you were. I know that someday we will meet and then I will be able to thank you for the inspiration that you have given me in my life.

Weldon D. Boring

Yuma Sector Chaplain

Supervisory Border Patrol Agent

Yuma, Arizona

LOYALTY, HONOR, COURAGE

SBPA Weldon D. Boring
US Border Patrol/Nephew of Ken Wright

October 22, 2007

You gave the ultimate sacrifice for a brother. Your family should be proud of your courage and the legacy you left to this department. We pray for them every day when we pass your memorial in the hallway. You were a true heroe!

Detective
Bradley County Tennessee

October 15, 2007

Deputy Wright you were killed in the line of duty the year that I was born but I remember my father and grandfather telling me your story. I now patrol the same streets that you once did. You would be proud of the Bradley County Sheriffs Department today as they are one of the best in TN.
Rest in peace Deputy Wright...

Trooper
Tennessee Highway Patrol

January 14, 2007

Sunday, August 22, 1971 started out like any normal tour of duty. I was a two-year veteran officer with the Cleveland, Tennessee police department, and a soon-to-be father—Life was good! But something was already in motion that would change my life forever. When suddenly those dreadful words, "officer down, officer down," came blaring across my police radio. I stood by the mortally wounded officer's side and watched helplessly as he slowly slipped out of this life. I will always remember you, Ken, You touched all our lives!

Lt. Eddie Scoggins
Bradley County Sheriff's Office

December 4, 2006

I clearly remember Deputy Wrights death in 1971. I was just entering high school and the thought of his death in the line of duty made me wonder whay anyone would chose this line of work. However later in life I chose the same line of work with the same department and was tasked with researching all line of duty deaths and submitting them for the Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C. During this research I discovered that Deputy Wright was never given the proper recognition for his sacrifice and at the time we held a special ceremony for him and his family. It is never to late to recognize a true hero. After serving fifteen years full time with the department I gained State of Tennessee employment and now serve the department in a volunteer position. I will always regard the high point in my law enforcement career as that when I was able to bring about proper recognition to Ken Wright Sr. and his family for the ultimate sacrifice.

Deputy Sheriff Richard Taylor
Bradley County

October 12, 2006

There is no greater love than for one to lay down his life for a friend. Your unselfish sacrifice would make the lord Jesus himself very proud of you. Rest in peace and may GOD bless your soul.

police officer II Albert D Gordon
metro nashville police dept.

April 6, 2006

I am proud to say that I work for the department Deputy Ken Wright Sr. worked for at the time of his death. I am so proud to say that Deputy Wright's killer was arrested recently on federal drug and weapon charges. His killer will be in prison for the rest of his life. Justice has finally came through for the killer of Deputy Wright!!!

Deputy James Bradford
Bradley County Sheriff Office

June 20, 2005

Was reading about the thug that murdered you today. He was busted for drugs and guns! What a justice system we have. After reading that story I came here to find your name. Then after locating it saw that there were no reflections. You gave your life for a fellow officer and no one has bothered to remember you. Let me say thank you sir for all you did. Rest easy.
2-17-05

February 17, 2005

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