Rochester Police Officer Dennison "Denny" Wright, seriously wounded in a brutal stabbing Oct. 4 on Peck Street, was given an emotional hero's sendoff as he walked out of Golisano Neurology Rehabilitation Center at Unity Hospital in Greece on Friday morning.

A phalanx of RPD officers, including three mounted patrols and a K-9 unit, lined the sidewalk and saluted Wright in silence as he exited the facility where recently he had been recovering from his injuries. Wearing an RPD jacket and a cap with a thin blue line flag on it and carrying a white cane, he stood arm-in-arm with his wife in the doorway and was flanked by family members as he returned the officers' salutes.

As he neared the waiting police cruiser that would take him home, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause, and Wright lifted the cane over his head in celebratory fashion.

Prior to Wright's emergence from the facility, Rochester Police Chief La'Ron Singletary said Wright has been upbeat throughout his recovery, even cracking jokes.

His tenacity and willingness to fight through this, Singletary said, is a reminder "for all of us why we do this job."

He later added, "As a chief, to have one of your officers go through this, it's been stressful. It's been very stressful, so I appreciate all the support from the community and all the law enforcement officers here."

In total, more than 100 of them from across the region, as well as first responders, were on hand for Wright's discharge. Members of the Unity medical staff also were present. Some stood in the parking lot, some stood on the roof, others could be seen looking out from hospital windows.

After making his way to the cruiser, Wright embraced two members of his Unity care team and spoke briefly over a police radio to thank colleagues for their support. His vehicle then departed, accompanied by an enormous motorcade of police cars with lights activated.

A 23-year RPD veteran, Wright made his first public appearance since the stabbing Thursday night outside the facility during a dramatic show of support by his fellow police officers, law enforcement officials and first responders. Dozens of police cruisers, as well as fire trucks and ambulances, poured into a parking lot outside Unity — portions of which were bathed in blue light in Wright's honor — and turned on their lights, horns and sirens.

Also on Thursday, Wright issued a statement that read:

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the Rochester and surrounding communities for the outpouring support that has been given to my family and I. We are truly touched by all those who have reached out to us.

"To hear about everyone who has donated their time, food, or just simply sent a card, or said a prayer, has been uplifting and strengthened my resolve to rehabilitate and recover from the events of October 4th. There are no words that can describe how grateful I am for the love and support from everyone.”

Wright has spent his entire career as a patrol officer in the city's Clinton Section in northeast Rochester, Investigator Jackie Shuman said in an earlier interview. Wright also is a field training officer, and has trained many RPD recruits from the police academy, she said.

Chief Singletary said Wright is well-known in the community. He frequently reads to students at School No. 8.

Keith Williams, 28, of 37 Peck St. is charged with attempted aggravated murder and aggravated assault of a police officer, both felonies, in connection with the attack on Wright, which happened after Wright responded to the Peck Street address for a domestic disturbance. Williams allegedly was hiding under a bed and when Wright arrived got up and tried to run out, police said. Wright was attacked as he tried to stop Williams.

Following his arrest, Williams pleaded not guilty and was ordered held at the Monroe County Jail without bail. His case is being presented to a Monroe County grand jury.

According to court documents, Williams punched Wright in the face and used a knife with an 8-inch blade to repeatedly stab Wright in the face, left eye and lower body, "causing serious physical injuries which were deemed to be life-threatening."

Wright was treated in the intensive care unit at Rochester General Hospital before being transferred to the rehab unit.

The Rochester Police Locust Club union earlier noted that Wright has always served the northeast section of the city "and has never asked to work in another section. His commitment to this neighborhood has been demonstrated every day that he patrolled and no more so then when he responded" on Oct. 4.

The union has created a "Denny Wright Fund" to assist Wright. Donations are being accepted at Canandaigua National Bank branches or can be sent to the Rochester Police Locust Club, 1425 Lexington Ave., Rochester, NY 14606.

MGREENWO@Gannett.com

Includes reporting by staff writers Sean Lahman, Will Cleveland and Victoria Freile.