Detroit Police prepares to say goodbye to Officer Myron Jarrett

This weekend, the Detroit Police Department will gather to say goodbye to a fallen officer who was killed in the line of duty a week ago.

Myron Jarrett was killed last Friday night while serving the city he grew up in and loved dearly. Officer Kwame Powell knew Jarrett well and fought to hold back the tears one day before his visitation.

"It's definitely tough. But that's what most of us took the oath, serve and protect," Powell said. "How you grow up from the community and give back to the community, and he gave the ultimate. He gave his life, giving back to the community."

Officer Jarrett was hit and killed by a man in a hit and run at Puritan and Monica on Detroit's west side. Police say a vehicle driven by Lincoln Park man Steve Guzina ran him down while he was assisting other officers during a traffic stop. Jarrett later died from his injuries at Sinai Grace Hospital. 

Guzina was allegedly was smoking crack cocaine at the time.

"That's a harsh reality with the profession. We give so much. Not many people can say they have a job, and that night, they may not make it home," Powell said.

Many officers at the 12th Precinct wanted Jarrett to watch their backs while on the street, Powell said.

"We used to fight to work with him. That's how much everyone loved Jarrett."

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Officers will remember Jarrett as he is in the photo attached to this story: calm and laid back.

"He was smooth. I have never seen his feathers ruffled, and that's rare. I don't even think I can say that about myself," Powell said he always kept his cool. "He would be one of the people if he pulled you over and give you a ticket, you'd thank him afterwards. He just had this wonderful disposition."

The 40-year-old officer was married to his high school sweetheart. He leaves behind her and four children. One week later, she's still not ready to talk about her husband's death.

"She hasn't had time for it to sit in yet. She just wants to send her husband off right," Powell said.

The Detroit native and officer will be laid to rest on Monday at Second Ebenezer Church. Visitation will be held Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 5, 6)  from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Edward Swanson and Son Funeral Home, 30351 Dequindre, Madison Heights.

"I think a lot of it is going to hit us at the funeral. Right now, by me being assigned to his family, we're too busy to think about it. We're just trying to get the send off right," Powell said.