Deputy Sheriff Carlos Diamond Francies

It has been awhile Diamond. I remember being at your moms work having lunch. She was looking at me for a bit and sat down and started talking. She asked what I do and I told her. She had a proud look on her face, when she said, "Well, my son is a police officer too (with much pride and enthusiasm)." I wouldn't meet you until a year later when Arnold called and asked if remembered your mom. I said, I did and he asked if I would be willing to meet with her son, so I called you. You asked if I would help out a fellow Deputy of yours who was injured on his way to work. You met me at the hospital and introduced me to Dwight's family. You could see how much you cared for him by the way you were with his family. By talking with your mom and others, that's just the way you were, "caring." I never told you, but the day you asked to meet me at the hospital was exactly 3 years to the day I crashed my patrol car. I died and was revived that night, but they amputated my right leg. Kind of humbling that exact day we met, your friend Dwight was in surgery and lost his right leg. It is interesting how God works. He brought our paths together that day. You wanted to help Dwight and you helped me by bringing Dwight into my life. I know Dwight is forever grateful for all you did for him and his family. When others need help or if I need motivation, I often think of you. That was such a bad day up on the mountain, but you did what you always do, "help." I am so sorry you had to leave us so fast, but I am sure we will see each other again. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers until we see each other.

Your brother in blue,
Mike

Officer Mike Mitchell
California Highway Patrol

May 14, 2018