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H. 4959
STATUS INFORMATION
House Resolution
Sponsors: Rep. Williams
Document Path: l:\council\bills\rm\1249dw10.docx
Introduced in the House on May 12, 2010
Adopted by the House on May 12, 2010
Summary: Johnny E. Wright
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
Date Body Action Description with journal page number ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5/12/2010 House Introduced and adopted HJ-12
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VERSIONS OF THIS BILL
TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE LIFE AND PIONEERING PUBLIC SERVICE OF JOHNNY E. WRIGHT, RETIRED CHIEF OF POLICE AND TOWN COUNCILMAN FOR THE TOWN OF TIMMONSVILLE.
Whereas, on February 17, 1926, Johnny E. Wright was born the son of Johnny, Sr., and Louise Osborne Wright of Timmonsville. The proud parents could not yet know what young Johnny was destined to become: first, a pioneer in Timmonsville law enforcement as one of the first black police officers to serve there since Reconstruction; next, chief of police in that town; and, finally, a duly elected member of the Timmonsville Town Council; and
Whereas, ultimately the longest-serving peace officer in the Town of Timmonsville, Chief Wright began his career in law enforcement in the late 1960s, retiring with about thirty years of service; and
Whereas, after his retirement from law enforcement, feeling the need to continue his service to the people of Timmonsville, he decided to run for town council and won his seat. For twelve years, he served with distinction as a councilman until health difficulties caused him to decide not to run for reelection; and
Whereas, this Timmonsville law enforcement icon was instrumental in battling the barriers of racial inequality that then existed in law enforcement throughout the nation. His work helped open the door of equal opportunity for many young African Americans who would follow in his footsteps; and
Whereas, he was the first black policeman to retire from the Town of Timmonsville with the rank of chief of police; and
Whereas, as he worked his way through the ranks, Johnny Wright became respected as not just a policemen but also as a role model. Young and old, male and female, black and white, professionals and blue-collar workers alike sought him out. He served as the town's complaint box for many citizens and, as a family man himself, gave fatherly advice to the youth of the town. As the police department's public relations officer, he also served as its contact with many outside agencies; and
Whereas, because of the intricate network of confidential informants he had established and cultivated during his tenure as a policeman, Chief Wright was a key force in solving more cases than any other officer in the department. During a crisis or any public disturbance, his presence was paramount in keeping and maintaining the peace until the situation was contained or an arrest was made; and
Whereas, an active churchman in the Methodist denomination, he also worked at a local funeral home as an assistant, showing great compassion for the bereaved families he aided; and
Whereas, cognizant of his many years of sacrificial public service, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives wish to extend grateful thanks for the extraordinary contributions of this remarkable man, Johnny E. Wright, to his community and to our great State. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the life and pioneering public service of Johnny E. Wright, retired chief of police and town councilman for the Town of Timmonsville.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Johnny E. Wright.
This web page was last updated on May 21, 2010 at 11:13 AM