Wesley Pennington grew up in Cranston, Rhode Island in a family of five boys, in which he is the youngest and one girl. He graduated from Cranston High School East and went on to study sociology at Western Connecticut State University.

Wesley Pennington then became a member of the United States Army.  As a member of the Army, Wesley served a tour in Korea. Upon coming back from Korea, he was assigned to the prestigious 82nd Airborne Division. During his time with the 82nd, he was one of the first groups sent to Operation Desert Storm.

On completion of his military commitment he returned to Rhode Island where he worked for the West Warwick Police Department.  After 2 1/2 years, he left there and went to work with the Rhode Island State Police. In December of 2022, Wesley retired from the State Police after serving for 28 years. He is currently the Program Director for Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D) – Rhode Island.

In his spare time, Wesley is also coaches high school football, previously holding the position of Head Coach at North Smithfield HS (earning the team a 2019 championship and himself the 2019 Football Coach of the Year Award), and currently the position of Head Coach at West Warwick HS. He is also an ordained Pastor.

Wesley is married to his wife Marissa and has two daughters, Ashley and Eliana.