Detroit Police Officer Myron Jarrett was laid to rest today after being struck and killed by a Lincoln Park man while on a routine traffic stop on October 28. Jarrett, 40, is an eight-year veteran of the department and worked at DPD’s 12th Precinct on the city’s west side.
Affectionately known by his colleagues as “Salt & Pepper,” Officer Jarrett embodied what it meant to be a police officer that truly served the citizens of the city of Detroit. He was passionate about the community and public safety and often used traffic stops as an opportunity to inform citizens about dangerous driving behaviors. His colleagues said on many occasions, citizens would thank him and give him a hug even after he wrote them a ticket.
“He was an outstanding officer,” Detroit Police Department Chief James Craig said. “Everyone I’ve talked to from his family, his wife, great father, to the officers a great mentor, a friend certainly to the community. This is someone who deeply cared not only for the work and the difference he was making – but the community loved him.”
Officer Jarrett’s cool and calm demeanor garnered the respect of his colleagues who would often look to him for advice in their own times of need. Chief Craig said he experienced Officer Jarrett’s professionalism and compassion during an encounter in which Jarrett tried to counsel the chief about his own safety.
“He loved his job,” said the chief. “I think what stood out, they have never seen him angry or frustrated. His service to the community was important. He really wanted to make a difference, and he did make a difference.”
Before attending Wayne State University, Officer Jarrett graduated from Southeastern High School where he was a student athlete with the Detroit Public School League baseball team and even helped the team win the leagues’ 1994 championship.
The Detroit Police Department announced a resolution that posthumously promoted Officer Jarrett to Corporal. The city also plans to name a street after Corporal Jarrett.
Corporal Jarrett leaves behind his wife of 17 years, four children, a host of family and friends and the Detroit Police Department.
Funeral services were held at Second Ebenezer Church in Detroit.
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