More Than A Friend... A Brother: Effingham County Mourns A Deputy

By Genevieve Rogers

There are few things as solid as the bond of brotherhood between law enforcement officers. Working side-by-side, day after day, through some of the worst situations tends to create a family bond, one so strong that when an officer is killed, the entire department mourns. Sadly, that's the situation that the Effingham County Sheriff's Department is dealing with, having lost one of their own over the weekend.

On Friday night, Effingham County Sheriff's Deputy Dennis Wright, Sr. and his passenger, Deputy Derrick Seckinger, were leaving the Southeastern Traffic Enforcement Network meeting in Pooler. They were traveling east on Jimmy Deloach Parkway at Benton Boulevard, when a minivan turned left in front of their vehicle, causing the patrol car to flip over. Tragically, Deputy Wright died from his injuries at the scene. Deputy Seckinger was airlifted to Memorial Health and is currently listed in fair condition, as is the driver of the minivan.

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. Read More

What We’re Thankful For This Thanksgiving...

For the past several weeks, we’ve asked our readers to send us a brief letter of what they’re thankful for this Thanksgiving. Here’s some of their replies...

What I am thankful for... My husband, Joey, the love of my life, my children, Tyler and Kaitlyn, and my nephews, Luke, Jacob, and Isaac. About 1 1/2 years ago, they came to live with us. My family and I have learned how truly blessed we are, and how giving of ourselves wholeheartedly, and freely, has been a wonderful experience. I am so honored that God would give us such a huge opportunity to pour into these wonderful kids lives, but also learn from them as well. Watching us all grow into better people, with God's help, is what I am most thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving.

Lori Cochran

What am I Thankful for?

Wow, where does someone like me begin... With Granny of course! It’s hard to watch her life slowly being taken away from her by Alzheimer’s Disease, but I'm so thankful that I’ve had Granny’s love and guidance throughout my life. She raised me as her own from the time that I was 6 months old and has been the only Mother that I have ever known.

I’m especially thankful for being able to take care of Granny and help her face what lies ahead, each and every day that I continue to have with her, and the time that we spend together. We truly live each day like it is our last and cherish every moment! Well, you know that I can’t go without mentioning how thankful I am for my loving wife Jennifer as well, or that first kiss so many years ago that won my heart. It’s really great to have a friend and companion such as her to share my life with. I don’t know what she sees in me, but I’m THANKFUL!

Other than Granny and Jennifer, I'm very thankful to have so many great friends in my life that have made an impression on me that will last a lifetime. Far too many to mention, but I’m especially thankful for the friendship of Jimmy Scott in Eden. He has touched so many lives since I've known him with a smile and a helping hand, and I'm lucky to be one of them. Jimmy’s been like a father to me for years now and I always look to him for guidance and advice, not that I always like what I hear. But somehow he always seems to be right. I’m thankful for his patience, love and support for my family and I.

Here’s an idea: If there are any people out there that couldn’t think of anything that they are thankful for, I suggest they get out to meet and help seniors in their community. There are so many seniors that are struggling, need a little help around the house, or just need someone to talk to. This time of year we all need to realize what we are thankful for, but at the same time we need to do things for others and help those in need. Maybe some of you can be thankful next Thanksgiving that you were able to make a difference in the life of a senior citizen. They would certainly be thankful for your help and you would find a new friend in each of them, I guarantee it! I know that I have.

Sincerely,

Stephen R. Newsome

Meldrim Read More