John F. Wright

Washington State Patrol — Olympia, WA

Felonious

End of Watch June 28, 1953

Age 28

The Vigil Panel 89 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 33

Incident

Patrolman Wright was struck and killed by a car during a traffic stop. As Patrolman Wright was talking to the driver a car traveling at a high rate of speed sideswiped both cars and hit Patrolman Wright. The driver fled the scene after striking Patrolman Wright but was later apprehended. The 20-year-old driver was charged with hit-and-run and criminal homicide. He was convicted of both charges and sentenced to a year in jail.

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Added to badge.nw: April 2, 2026
Last updated: July 23, 2026

Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.

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Tributes

I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Wright served with the Washington State Patrol.
Thank you for your service to the people of Washington. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Wright.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

Agency

Department Washington State Patrol

Location Olympia, WA

Platform Identity whp.wa.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch June 28, 1953

Age 28

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Weapon Automobile

Offender Sentenced to 1 year

Patrolman John F. Wright is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.

In WA, 187 of 339 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 55.2% of this state's fallen. That is 1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.

At Washington State Patrol, 8 of 34 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 23.5% of this agency's fallen.

Washington State Patrol

of 34 officers

23.5% Felonious

WA — Statewide

187

of 339 officers

55.2% Felonious

Nationwide

17,623

of 32,508 officers

54.2% Felonious