In addition to his other duties with EKU Police, Chet Wright is a school resource officer, not a teacher at Model Laboratory School.
But, as Model senior Meghan Corder recently explained, Wright “has taught us a lot about the world. He teaches us respect for the law, what it means to be a good citizen, how to keep ourselves safe, the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse, and how our bad decisions will affect others.”
Corder was on hand recently when Wright received an Officer of the Year Award from Madison County Youth in Action. The organization recognizes an officer from each of the law enforcement agencies representing Madison County: EKU Police, the Richmond and Berea police departments, Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Kentucky State Police Post 7. The award recognizes those officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, exemplify the virtues of professionalism and dedication and demonstrate a distinct pattern of community service.
Wright, an Army and National Guard veteran, first joined EKU Police as a telecommunicator in 2002 and earned a general studies degree from the University in 2011.
In her nomination letter, Corder said Wright “loves to joke around with us, but he never jokes around when it comes to our safety and well-being. Officer Wright is one of the most selfless people I know, and Model students know that he will do whatever it takes to protect us. He is at school before everyone else, and is there after we’ve left. He also helps with many after-school events and even chaperones school trips.”
Corder said Wright “doesn’t just know Model students and faculty by name. He knows our families, too. (He) truly embodies what it means to be a law enforcement officer, and then some. Words will never adequately describe how thankful the Model Lab students, faculty and parents are for Officer Wright.”