OPD chief presents K-9 award in honor of Cpl. Wright

Less than one year ago, the community came together to mourn the loss of Olney Police Department Cpl. Miranda Wright. Her legacy continues through an award recognizing K-9 handlers like Wright.

The first K-9 Corporal Miranda Wright Memorial Award was presented Saturday, May 3 by OPD Chief Dan Birbeck during the 2025 United States Police Canine Association, Inc. Annual K-9 Trials Awards Ceremony.

“This award, chosen by the judges and fellow K-9 handlers, recognizes a handler who exemplifies the dedication, heart, and passion that Miranda poured into her work every day,” Birbeck said. “Fittingly, the inaugural recipient was Graham Police Department’s very own Sgt. Hailey Calcote—Miranda’s best friend and training partner.”

After serving the citizens of Young County for a combined 20 years through OPD and Olney EMS, Wright passed away from colon cancer Aug. 3, 2024.

Wright’s law enforcement career was spent mostly with K-9 partners Fox at OPD, Sam at the Young County Sheriff’s Office and her last partner at OPD, Bond. Calcote said in a previous article that there was truly a “Bond” between Wright and her partner.

“I’ve run a dog and I’ve been around a lot of people who run dogs and it was like they were one,” Calcote said. “You have a bond with your K-9, but I’ve never actually seen a stronger bond than what they had. He knew what she was thinking even before she knew what she was thinking and it was fun to watch. It was fun to watch them grow and excel.”

The two competed together in the United States Police Canine Association trials and often trained together. Birbeck said Wright’s daughter and granddaughter were able to honor Calcote during the ceremony.

“In a beautiful and emotional moment, her granddaughter handed the award to Sgt. Calcote—a gesture that captured the spirit of Miranda’s enduring legacy,” Birbeck said.

Wright’s legacy filled the pews of First Baptist Church in Olney where a memorial was held in her honor Aug. 7, 2024. 

Police and sheriff’s officers from Baylor County, Clay County, Denton County, Jack County, Montague County, Taylor County, Wise County, Wichita County, Young County, as well as members of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Game Wardens and more honored Wright during the memorial service.

Though Wright’s 20-year career of service closed out in August 2024, her legacy of impact will continue to honor those with the same passion for law enforcement that she shared.

“Miranda never sought the spotlight, but I believe she would be deeply honored to know that her life and service continue to inspire and impact K-9 handlers across the region,” Birbeck said. “Her legacy is alive and well, and it was a privilege to play a small part in carrying it forward.”