Officer Down Memorial Page

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

God bless you brother and a special thanks to those who attend those parole hearings to keep those @#$%^&!%$* in jail.

DFC. Daniel O'Donnell
Orange County Sheriff's Office (FL)
July 22, 2007

I was only 5 and I still remember to this day when you were shot right in front of your mom and dad's (my aunt and uncle's) house. Our family has never been the same. It was 30 years ago, and I still remember the Christmas gift you and Eileen gave me, a fuzzy bunny bank. My dad, your best friend and cousin Artie misses you terribly. We all do. When I go back home to visit, I go to your memorial and think of all the fun things we used to do. I love you. You will never be forgotten.

Pamela Spengler Dykes
Cousin
October 16, 2006

What you did that evening was commendable and well above and beyond the call of duty. You are a true hero and a hero never dies my friend. Thank you and God bless you!

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
October 6, 2006

It was one day after my 23rd birthday- May 1976...I was home on leave from the US Military Police in So.Korea, staying with my family Only one block from your murder at the 7-11 on Park Ave. You are not forgotten my Brother. I think of you often. You will always be remembered. Detective Rich Stanley, Ft Lee P.D. NJ ( Retired US Military Police )

Det Rich Stanley
Fort Lee P.D.
September 12, 2006

Jack, it's been over three years since my last comments.

However, as of this date [03/13/2006] both Frank T. (and) Charles E. MILLER, the two pieces of trash who murdered you on 31 May 76 are still incarcerated.
Frank is in the East Jersey State Prison/Rahway and Charlie is in the NJ Sate Prison/Trenton.

Rest in peace my Brother and remember, we will continue to do our best, to keep these two pieces of trash in prison!

God rest your soul Jack.

State Investigator Bob HUGHES
NJ Department of Law & Public Safety
March 13, 2006

I grew up in Bradley Beach and served as a special officer with the Bradley Beach Police Department. I heard the story of what happened to you brother, and reminds me that this career is dangerous and at anytime could cost you your life.

Special Officer Raymond Bowman
Manasquan Police Department
January 28, 2006

I grew up in Bradley Beach and served as a special officer with the Bradley Beach Police Department. I heard the story of what happened to you brother, and reminds me that this career is dangerous and at anytime could cost you your life.

Special Officer Raymond Bowman
Manasquan Police Department
January 28, 2006

God Bless You and your family and all those you hold dear.

Detective R Stanley
Fort Lee NJ PD
September 13, 2005

I would love to see a response that says the "garbage" is still locked up. I know it has been awhile since the parole eligibility but hopefully they are still guests of the State. Prayers are with the Family of PO Wright

Detective
Newark NJ PD
October 16, 2004

Rest in peace my brother.

Police Officer
Burlington Township PD
October 15, 2004

Jack, it's been twenty-six years since your life was taken senselessly, over money! May the Good Lord watch over your soul and your Family.
As one of the arresting officers, of the perpretrator's who murdered you on that faithful night of 31 May 76, I want to assure you of the following.
As the two murderers come up for parole this year {2002}, I promise that along with some of the other Officers (some retired) involved, we will do everything within our power, to keep these two "pieces of garbage" in prison, where they belong!

State Investigator Robert J. HUGHES
NJ Department of Law & Public Safety