In 1984, Constable Wright was instrumental in establishing the program, “Rebound”, a volunteer program supporting youth at risk. Rebound provided programming for 12–17 year old youth who are at risk. Constable Wright is a volunteer with “Rebound”, and both he and his wife facilitated a program called “Step”. “Step” is an eight week program that offers parent support and training to deal with the challenges of parenting teens. Constable Wright has gone above and beyond the call of duty by making himself available to parents long after the program has reached its conclusion.
Constable Wright formed a small youth group, starting in the basement of his home. The group expanded to sixty youth members, who then took up space in a local church basement. From this youth group, Constable Wright was instrumental in starting a number of youth based bands. While Constable Wright admits that he does not have the talents of the youth membership, Constable Wright applied his talents to soliciting for the bands; many are still in existence and play at community events.
In 1988 Constable Wright was transferred to Uniform Division, but he continued to volunteer his off duty time to “Rebound”, “Step”, and as the Coordinator of the Special Olympics.
In 1988 while in an off duty capacity Constable Wright was instrumental in the development of the School Liaison program, which has resulted in School Liaison Officers in every secondary school in Sarnia.
In 1992 Constable Wright transferred to the Community Policing Section where he and another officer were responsible for community police-led education. Constable Wright initiated a drug education program and the success of this program resulted in an invitation to sing at the Skydome for Drug Awareness Day at the Toronto Blue Jays game.
During the same period of time Constable Wright initiated the event, “Crossroads”. This event was a retreat style event for the most at risk youth in Sarnia, and offered a variety of activities to teach social and decision making skills.
In 1996 Constable Wright transferred to the Youth Branch, responsible for youth investigations and interventions where Constable Wright played a significant role in developing a unique approach to youth diversion.
In 1999 Constable Wright returned to front line uniform policing. In 2000 Constable Wright and another officer attended an apartment fire. Constable Wright and his fellow officers risked their own safety and entered into the severely burning building to rescue the resident. Constable Wright was given the Ontario Award for Police Bravery.
Constable Wright, over the past 10 years has directed fundraising efforts for mission work for the youth group. He has organized mission trips to Mexico where groups laid cement floors for day camps for children. Constable Wright traveled to West Virginia in the Appalachia Mountains to repair homes and day camps for youth. Constable Wright has been active in arranging trips to the Toronto food bank and assisting the homeless.
In 2002 Constable Wright returned to Community Policing and again led community education. During his summer months, Constable Wright, a certified Mountain Bike and Can Bike trained officer, utilized the summer to ride to the summer parks programs and educate youth on bicycle and personal safety.
Constable Wright is a facilitator and resource for the Neighbourhood Watch Program and was instrumental in finding a solution to a community problem involving skateboarders. Constable Wright and a community partner opened “The Annex”, a youth drop in centre, and since it opened neighbourhood concerns have decreased.
In 2003, Constable Wright developed a relationship with Matthew Stevens, minister at the United Church of Aamjiwnaang First Nation. Constable Wright’s youth group attended the church and offered music which led to the youth leading a monthly community luncheon in the basement of the church - an event which now attracts eight people every month. These partnerships have led to new communication and social atmospheres.
In 2004 Constable Wright reviewed and revitalized the approach to the delivery of the VIP program in Sarnia, and as a result there is newfound interest in the program. This same year, Constable Wright identified the need for an Internet Safety program as well as a Bullying program. Constable Wright also identified the need to evaluate the programs being offered by police in the community, which resulted in the need to standardize material and delivery of some programs. Constable Wright initiated the meeting of officers from several communities in the Western part of Ontario. This group now meets on a monthly basis to review best practices for police led education.
In 2005 Constable Wright donated both on duty and off duty time to the pilot project, “Bridging the Gap for Youth”. This is a grant project involving the Community Health Services and local school board. The project was dedicated to social development in a local secondary school and the success of this project has resulted in a subsequent grant for 2006-2007.
Most recently, Constable Wright was selected for the Mayoral Honour Roll for the City of Sarnia.
Constable Wright has dedicated both his personal and professional life to the betterment and development of young persons in his community. His unwavering commitment to assist youth including those at the highest risk is to be admired. Constable Wright’s endless hours volunteering for both youth and their parents to bridge the gap are to be commended. Constable Wright has demonstrated in his word and deeds his loyalty, reliability and consistency to youth in his community; he has left a lasting impression on the youth and community with whom he has interacted. Constable Wright’s wife Bonnie says it best, “Besides being a great father and husband, he is one of the most giving, unselfish people I know. He is always there for anyone and everyone who needs him. Our house should have a revolving door put in, as it is constantly opening for kids in need.” |
