Correctional Officer Richard Allen Wright

Richard Allen Wright

Correctional Officer Richard Wright died as the result of complications after contracting COVID-19 during an outbreak among employees and inmates at the Women's Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Vandalia.

Officer Wright had served with the Missouri Department of Corrections for 15 years. He had previously served with the Audrain County Sheriff's Office and had retired as a Lieutenant from the Little Dixie Fire Protection District. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Beginning in early 2020, due to the requirements of their job, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the United States contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Hundreds of law enforcement officers died from medical complications as a result of contracting the virus while remaining on duty and interacting with the community.