The courtroom filled again with new and old faces of the Springdale Police Department, gathering again to see another long term officer complete a great career. It was only a short few hours before the ceremony that Corporal Danny Wright was on a call next to his fellow Officers completing yet another mission. This embodies Corporal Wright's work ethic and drive; not only to his fellow Officers, but to the City and residents of Springdale.
Corporal Wright began his Law Enforcement career in 1992 at the age of 22 as an Auxiliary Officer in Lincoln promoting to the rank of Sergeant. Corporal Wright became a full time officer in 1993 with the city of Prairie Grove attending the Law Enforcement Academy graduating in 1994 along side notable graduate: Fayetteville Police Chief Mike Reynolds. After a short stint in Prairie Grove and Farmington; Corporal Wright began his career with the Springdale Police Department on May 16th, 1998. During this time he met Sharon while she was attending a citizen's police academy and they have been married for 23 years.
During Corporal Wright's tenure at the Springdale Police Department, he attained the rank of Corporal. Corporal Wright is a Field Training Officer; probably one of the toughest because he expected a high standard from all his trainees. This is apparent as many of his trainees are now leaders of this Police Department. Corporal Wright also was instrumental in our DRE program. Corporal Wright was transferred to the Criminal Investigation Division as a Crime Prevention Officer, then the chairman of the Springdale Nuisance Abatement Partnership. We could not put a full finger on one specific partnership Corporal Wright held that had significant impact on the city as he had many through Planning, ABC, and Buildings, Trails and others that had positive changes to the city of Springdale. New businesses flourished after nuisance locations were closed. One of most memorable nuisance cases that Corporal Wright was involved with was eradicating illegal gambling machines in the city. All his partnerships not only helped the City but also helped the Department advance to where we are today. During his time with SNAP he also began working other criminal cases and managed the Sex Offender Registry.
After 33 total years of service, Corporal Wright is not done doing what he does best; serving. He will continue serving the city of Springdale as the Special Project Coordinator with the Building Inspection Department.
Chief Gamble presented Corporal Wright his firearm and a shadowbox with his credentials. Mayor Sprouse also presented Corporal Wright a token from the city for his years of service with the Springdale Police Department and joked about him taking away the gambling machines. A video from Chief of Staff Colby Fulfer was played thanking Corporal Wright for his service and dedication to the city. Definitely not a fiery dashcam video as expected from Corporal Wright.
The main presentation which is usually held at Awards Ceremonies was presented to Corporal Wright by Chief Gamble. Corporal Wright was presented the Medal of Valor for his heroic role on March 12, 2024. At around 2 pm Officers were dispatched to an armed subject on Norfolk Avenue whom was damaging vehicles and threatening other individuals. Corporal Wright was the first on scene and located the male suspect walking down the road armed with a large knife. After taking a tactical position, Corporal Wright displayed his duty weapon and gave numerous commands to the suspect to drop the knife. The suspect refused to comply and was highly agitated and aggressive. The suspect began walking towards bystanders and Corporal Wright yelled at the bystanders to get back. The suspect grabbed one of the bystanders placing the knife at their throat and held them hostage. Corporal Wright began to close the distance and fired his service weapon striking the suspect, ultimately releasing the hostage without injury and saving the subjects life. Corporal Wright showed bravery, solid police tactics, and dedication to the innocent citizens in a very chaotic scene. Thank you Corporal Wright!
After the presentations, Corporal Wright spoke trying to hold back tears which is difficult when leaving a family. Corporal Wright is definitely a big brother we will certainly miss. One of the best cooks around, would definitely give you his shirt off your back, and as his colleague and friend Lt. Jaro stated: one of the kindest men you will ever meet; speaking about letting a colleague live with him during the academy since he did not have a place to stay as one example. He was stern and demanded a standard excellence out of us, but that is what makes us better.
We all have a "Danny" story and are blessed to have had him next to us [even if a few feet away]. Good Luck Corporal Wright and we will see you down the hall.