City of Rochester reaches major settlement agreement with Officer Denny Wright and Sonia Lagares-Wright

Rochester, New York – The City of Rochester has announced a settlement agreement involving veteran police officer Denny Wright and his wife, Sonia Lagares-Wright, bringing resolution to claims tied to the life-altering injuries Officer Wright suffered while responding to an emergency call nearly six years ago.

The settlement follows a long legal process and months of negotiations involving the City of Rochester and Monroe County Legislature. Officials confirmed that all parties reached an agreement in mid-April after a series of court-facilitated settlement conferences. The deal was publicly announced only after Monroe County lawmakers approved the county’s financial contribution during a meeting held on May 12.

Officer Wright has long been recognized within Rochester as a respected member of the police force. City officials described him as a symbol of dedication and sacrifice, pointing to the events of October 4, 2019, when he answered a 911 call that quickly turned violent.

During that incident, Wright was seriously injured after being attacked while carrying out his duties as a police officer. Authorities later prosecuted the attacker, who was convicted of attempted aggravated murder and aggravated assault. The assailant ultimately received a 40-year prison sentence.

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The injuries sustained by Wright changed the course of both his professional and personal life. In the years that followed, he and his wife filed claims against the City of Rochester and Monroe County seeking compensation for pain and suffering connected to the attack and its aftermath.

As part of the final agreement, the City of Rochester will provide the Wright family with a lump sum payment totaling $1.25 million. Monroe County will contribute an additional $500,000 under the settlement terms approved this week.

Beyond the financial compensation, the agreement also guarantees continued support for Officer Wright’s long-term medical needs. City officials confirmed Rochester will continue paying for medical treatment related to Wright’s line-of-duty injuries and will also maintain health insurance coverage for both Wright and his wife.

The settlement additionally outlines the next chapter of Wright’s connection to the police department he served for years.

Under the agreement, Officer Wright will officially retire from the City of Rochester. However, his role within the community will not completely end. Instead, he is expected to continue serving as an ambassador for the Rochester Police Department, a position city leaders say will benefit both the department and Wright himself.

Officials indicated the ambassador role is intended to preserve Wright’s relationship with the community and allow him to remain involved in public engagement efforts tied to the department.

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In addition to the lump sum settlement, the city also agreed to pay Wright $65,000 annually for up to 10 years after his retirement. According to the settlement terms, those payments are intended as additional compensation for pain and suffering damages resulting from the 2019 attack.

The agreement closes a painful chapter tied to one of the most serious assaults on a Rochester police officer in recent memory. At the same time, it reflects the lasting impact the incident had not only on Officer Wright, but also on his family and the broader Rochester community.

For many residents and fellow officers, Wright’s story became a powerful reminder of the risks police officers face while responding to emergency calls. The newly announced settlement now provides financial security and continued medical support as Wright transitions into retirement while maintaining a public role connected to the department he served.