P.O. Box 901, Prosser WA 99350 /wspmemorialfoundation@gmail.com / 360.597.4411

John Frank Wright was born on June 8, 1925, to Howard H. Wright and Carrie L. Linekin in Hilo, Hawaii. He had two brothers, Howard and Peter. His father supported the family by working as a salesman in an automotive garage.

 

At the age of 18, Wright joined the United States Air Force during World War II, serving from 1943 to 1946. He rose to the rank of sergeant while serving with the 15th Weather Squadron. The desire to serve his country and community continued after Wright's three year tour. He chose to join the Washington Highway Patrol, and was commissioned September 10, 1951, with the 16th Trooper Cadet Class, assigned to the Spokane Valley detachment.

 

Patrolman Wright died on June 28, 1953, at the age of 28. Patrolman Wright was outside his patrol car talking with a motorist on the shoulder of East Sprague at Barker Road in Greenacres. Both vehicles were at least four feet off the roadway when a driver sped past and struck Patrolman Wright. Patrolman Wright was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital, but sadly succumbed to his injuries four hours later. At the time of his death, Patrolman Wright had served 20 months with the Washington Highway Patrol.

 

Patrolman Wright was survived by his wife, Barbara Dianne, four-year-old son John F. and 15-month-old son Daniel L., as well as his parents, Howard and Carrie.

 

Patrolman Wright’s son Daniel L. was a chopper gunner in Vietnam. He passed away at the age of 38. His grandson, Daniel M. is a Marine veteran. He is currently working in real estate and resides in Spokane. His great grandson, Brayden is 21 years old and is the head photographer for Dorian Photography. His great granddaughter, Skyler, is 26 years old and works for Plantes Ferry Field. She has a two-year-old daughter, Wrenley Rose, with her husband, Kendall. 

 

On May 11, 1998, Patrolman Wright was awarded the Washington Law Enforcement Medal of Honor, posthumously, for his actions on June 28, 1953, by the Law Enforcement – Medal of Honor Committee.

 

Two ceremonies were held on June 28, 2023, to honor the 70th anniversary of Patrolman Wright’s line of duty death. The first was a wreath laying at the District 4 Spokane Headquarters office. From there, everyone traveled to the intersection of Sprague and Barker for a memorial sign ceremony dedication. The sign, installed thanks to the Spokane's Fallen Officers Memorial Project, will be yet another lasting reminder of Patrolman Wright. 

 

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