Deputy Wright, 52, was a native of Lakehurst, NJ. He was a 1996 graduate from the Armstrong Atlantic State University Police Academy. After graduation, he worked for both Thunderbolt and Pooler police departments, before be hired on at Effingham.

Those who worked with Deputy Wright say that he'll be sadly missed. Corporal Stacy Strickland worked closely with Deputy Wright during his time at Effingham and recalls how loyal of a friend he was and how much he loved his job.

"When he was your friend, he was a true friend in every aspect. He'd do everything for you. He was a police officer because he wanted to help people. He was very loyal, deep down to the bone. He was there for you, no matter what, and he never wavered. He was truly the best partner I've ever had during my time in law enforcement and he'll be greatly missed."

Chief Deputy Richard Bush echoed Corporal Strickland's sentiments and says that the department is dealing with his passing as best as they can, though they are still shocked at his death.

"Everybody's taken it pretty hard. You know, this has never happened to us before; one of our officers being killed in the line of duty. Deputy Wright was a good guy and we'll miss him tremendously. He was a dependable, likable, funny guy, with a good sense of humor. And he loved his job. I've heard that out of his mouth more than anyone else. He loved working for the Sheriff's Office."

Sgt. John Tapp, with the Sheriff's Department, spoke about Wright's sense of humor and how he put a smile on everyone's face.

"We're holding it together, but the loss is tremendous. He was never sad or in a bad mood. He was always the go-to-guy when you were under the weather. He found the light everywhere and in everything, and he made everyone feel better. He was the guy you looked forward to seeing at shift change, to hear what had happened during the day and the special way he told it. Even though I was his sergeant, he was the center of our watch. He was our friend and you couldn't ask him anything that he wouldn't do. He loved to work and it showed."

Scott Robider, sales manager at Red Dot Uniform and Supply in Pooler, knew Deputy Wright well and has lent his services to the Effingham Sheriff's Department, donating everything from long sleeves, gloves, shoes, belts, raincoats, tie-tacks, and even going so far as to have uniforms dry-cleaned. All of this, he says, is his way of remembering his friend.

"This is about true appreciation of Dennis. He was a friend of the business and of me. The Effingham County Sheriff?s Department and Deputy Wright were one of our original customers when we first opened, so they're all extra special to us. The reality is that it's nothing to do with business, it's a way to honor Deputy Wright's memory. I couldn't think of a better way to honor his kindness and his memory."

Others, like K-9 Deputy Jamie Thompson, say that it's the bond he had with Wright that he'll miss the most.

"It comes and goes and I know Wednesday will be a lot harder. That's when it will really set in that he's gone. He was more like a brother to me than a friend. He was a great guy. There's nothing he wouldn't do for anybody."

Deputy Wright has posthumously been awarded the medal of honor and purple heart, as well as being promoted to the rank of Corporal. Funeral services are planned for Wednesday, November 22nd at 11AM at First Baptist Church of Springfield. Interment will be in Effingham Memorial Gardens. He is survived by his daughter, two sons, two grandsons, fiancée, mother, father, and five siblings.

From all of us here at The Spirit Newspapers, we'd like to extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to Deputy Wright's family, colleagues, and friends. And we thank him for his service to this community and the sacrifice he made. You will be missed, sir.

The Effingham County Sheriff's Department would like to thank everyone who has donated food, time, and prayers. They are greatly appreciated. And a true, heartfelt thanks to Red Dot. Words can never begin to express our gratitude to you all.