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Incident
Marshal Wright succumbed to a gunshot wound received two months earlier while investigating an attempted robbery. He and another officer had gone to the victim's home to gather more information. While in the home the brother of the victim, who was scared because of the earlier robbery, opened fire with a rifle from a dark room. Marshal Wright was struck in the neck and paralyzed until his death two months later. Marshal Wright had served as Marshal for 5 years and had previously been a deputy sheriff for 4 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three sons, and four daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Marshal Wright gave the Colville Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Colville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Marshal Wright.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Colville Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 187 officers killed feloniously in WA, 55% of the 340 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1908, 2 officers in WA were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 96 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 8.
In 1908, 129 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1908, 129 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 55. Of the 159 killed feloniously in WA whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 46; the middle age was 41. John had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
John was 55. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 55. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 10.7% of these deaths in WA; November holds the most, 11.8%. Thursdays: 14.4%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Colville Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 55% of all 340 deaths in WA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 13.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Colville Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Colville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
