It is with great respect and gratitude that we announce the retirement of Chief Wright, after 33 years of dedicated service to the Pasadena Police Department. His journey is a testament to selfless service, humble heart, and relentless work ethic, which have left a lasting mark on our city.
Chief Wright, a Pasadena native, began his path right here in town, shaped by the values of hard work and compassion instilled by his family. He joined the department in 1991 as a dispatcher and graduated from the police academy in 1996. Throughout his career he embraced some of the most challenging roles, from investigating sensitive crimes against children and domestic violence to serving as a Polygraph Examiner, always displaying immense strength and determination.
Rising through the ranks to Lieutenant and then Assistant Chief, he led with integrity, overseeing critical units and mentoring countless officers. In 2023 he was appointed Chief of Police, and he immediately focused on crime suppression, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring employee resilience. In less than two years, his initiatives produced a drop in crime rates and an increase in quality of life. He did all this while remaining a constant presence in the community; reading to children, hosting movie nights, and leading neighborhood discussions.
Perhaps his greatest legacy is the care he showed his officers. Under his leadership, recruiting, retention, and morale soared. He led with authenticity, knew his officers by name, and always supported their goals and celebrated their achievements. Chief Wright has been a true servant leader, and his legacy of integrity and compassion will forever be embedded in the fabric of the Pasadena Police Department.
We thank him for his incredible service and wish him a wonderful retirement!
