ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester Police Officer Denny Wright has been named the recipient of the Governor's Police Officer of the Year Award, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday.
Wright is being recognized for exceptional valor and courage in the face of grave danger.
On Oct. 4, 2019, Wright was responding to a domestic situation when he was attacked by a suspect and seriously injured. He was rushed to the hospital, but left blind in both eyes. Despite the severe injuries, Wright was able to prevent the man from harming anyone else.
Wright is the first Rochester police officer to receive the award.
Suffolk County Police Officer Christopher Zonin was also named the recipient of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services' Lifesaving Award on Wednesday, after helping several residents escape a burning residence in Centereach on Dec. 4, 2019.
"Officers Wright and Zonin selflessly answered their call to service, putting themselves in harm's way to keep others safe and serve their communities," Hochul said in a statement. "We owe them both a huge debt of gratitude and will never forget their heroism in the face of life-threatening danger."
"I am humbled by Officer Wright's actions, which demonstrated incredible determination and bravery in the face of mortal danger, and recognize how much he sacrificed that day to keep everyone on the scene safe," Rochester Interim Police Chief David Smith said in a statement. "He represents the best of the Rochester Police Department, and the individuals who came to his aid epitomize what it means to be good samaritans. Their actions speak as a lesson to us all. I thank Governor Hochul and the members of the Police Officer of the Year Selection Committee for naming Officer Wright the recipient of this prestigious award."
In August of this year, Wright received the RPD's Purple Heart and Medal of Valor.