Deputy Sheriff John Wright, Dyer County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee

Deputy Sheriff John Wright

Dyer County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee

End of Watch Sunday, September 27, 1942

John Wright

Deputy Wright and Chief Deputy Calvin Lee, of the Obion County Sheriff's Department, were shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call. Deputy Wright was the first deputy on the scene and was ambushed as he and a companion approached the house. The suspect had been hiding in the back seat of his car and opened fire on Deputy Wright, killing him and mortally wounding his companion. The suspect then shot and killed Chief Deputy Lee when he arrived on the scene.

The 35-year-old suspect was never charged with the deputies murders but was convicted of Deputy Wright's companions murder and sentenced to 99 years in prison. In 1960 Governor Buford Ellington commuted his sentence to life making him eligible for parole. He was paroled in 1963 and died in 1974.

Deputy Wright was survived by his wife and four children.

Bio

Age 67
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Paroled in 1963

Most Recent Reflection

View all 6 Reflections

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 71rst anniversary year 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 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 (CA) officer Larry Lasater

August 7, 2013