The Town of Tryon and the Tryon Police Department are proud to recognize Capt. Timothy L. Wright for earning his Master of Justice Administration through Methodist University in Fayetteville, N.C.

According to Methodist University, the Master of Justice Administration provides students with a strong foundation in the administration of justice, focusing on values, and ethical principles such as truth, virtue, and justice. The Master of Justice Administration program is specifically geared to focus on the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to effectively address complex problems and issues currently facing the criminal justice system.

Tryon Town Manager Zach Ollis stated, “We would like to congratulate Captain Wright for this accomplishment.  His hard work and dedication in pursuit of higher education will benefit the Tryon Police Department and the citizens they serve.”

As a requirement of the Master of Justice Administration, Captain Wright completed his capstone project studying law enforcement responses to individuals with mental illness, specifically focusing on the needs, resources and areas of needed improvement in Polk County. 

According to Captain Wright, “Mental health issues present a significant area of concern for law enforcement, especially in a rural area like Polk County. It was challenging, yet rewarding, to investigate the problems and identify potential solutions which I hope to implement across all agencies in Polk County, to better serve all of our citizens.”

Wright, a native of Tryon, has been a police officer with the Tryon Police Department since 1994. He holds an Advanced Law Enforcement Certification through the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission; an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice Technology from Isothermal Community College; and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services from Gardner Webb University. He also completed the Criminal Investigation Certificate Program through the North Carolina Justice Academy.

Wright also holds a General Instructor certification, as well as a specialized Firearms Instructor certification, and is a regular instructor at Isothermal Community College’s Basic Law Enforcement Training program and the curriculum Criminal Justice Program. 

He is also a Clandestine Laboratory Response Technician and graduated from the 2014-2015 session of the distinguished Law Enforcement Executive Program (LEEP) through North Carolina State University. Capt. Wright also completed the West Point Leadership Program in 2016.

Throughout his notable 23+ year law enforcement career, Capt. Wright has been the recipient of numerous awards and commendations, including a life saving award and Region C Criminal Justice Advisory Committee citations for law enforcement excellence.

Prior to entering law enforcement service, Capt. Wright honorably served in the United States Navy during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.

– submitted by Lt. Theda Rickman