KATV: Criminal justice alum/faculty receives medal of valor
Arkansas deputy John Wright saves driver from burning vehicle
John Wright, a University of Cincinnati alumnus and adjunct faculty member, has been recognized for extraordinary bravery in the line of duty.
John Wright, PhD
Wright, who in 1996 became the first graduate of UC’s doctoral program in criminal justice, has combined a career in higher education with public service. After earning his degree, he served on UC’s criminal justice faculty and today continues to teach online courses for the university.
In addition to his academic work, Wright serves as a deputy with the Garland County Sheriff’s Office in Arkansas. Earlier this month, while on patrol, he pulled an injured driver from a vehicle that had crashed and caught fire. Moments after the rescue, the car was fully engulfed in flames.
For his actions, Wright received the Medal of Valor, the highest honor awarded by the Sheriff’s Office.
The full story was reported by KATV, Little Rock’s ABC affiliate.
Feature photo at top of Teachers-Dyers building, which houses the UC School of Criminal Justice.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next lives here.
Related Stories
UC launches Bearcats Affordability Grant
January 7, 2026
The University of Cincinnati is making college more attainable for students across Ohio with the creation of the Bearcats Affordability Grant. The new grant will provide a pathway to tuition-free college for students of families who make less than $75,000 per year. Beginning in fall 2026, the Bearcats Affordability Grant will cover the remaining cost of tuition for Ohio residents who are Pell eligible.
BearcatGPT AI platform now available to all UC faculty and staff
December 9, 2025
University of Cincinnati Digital Technology Solutions is excited to announce that BearcatGPT, the university’s private, secure AI platform, is now available to all UC faculty and staff.
Sugar overload killing hearts
November 10, 2025
Two in five people will be told they have diabetes during their lifetime. And people who have diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease. One of the deadliest dangers? Diabetic cardiomyopathy. But groundbreaking University of Cincinnati research hopes to stop and even reverse the damage before it’s too late.