Detective James Michael Lett

There is a void where you once stood, right here in the middle of us. We still look towards it expecting to see you there, that grin on your face, about to hit us with a witty retort and that laugh that filled the hallways. Some days that void is a knife that hits us hard, right in the gut, taking the breath right out of us. Others it's a comforting presence, as if you're still standing there laughing with us, ribbing us from beyond. Those are the days we can retell the old stories and think about you with a smile. Those days are becoming more frequent than the former, and I'm glad. I know there are still many hard days to come, times when we'd give anything have you here with us. To be able to tell you what we've accomplished thanks to you. Times like today when I'd give anything to hear your chuckle coming down the hall, knowing you're about to come in my office and give me a hard time for something or another. You're absolutely irreplaceable. You were more to us than a coworker or partner or fellow detective. You were our mentor, brother, friend, and safe place. You were ours. Always will be, I'm afraid. We all got tattoos for you, Mike, so you can't escape us now.

Keep those streets safe up there. When I see you again, we'll have some words, my friend. And then you can show me where the big G keeps the good hooch and make up for lost time harassing Richey.

Love you big, Mike. Always will.

P.S. You're still the reigning champ of case files. These young guys just can't compete with yours. I hope that makes you smile.

CID Assistant Diana Smart
Benton Police Department, Benton, Arkansas

July 17, 2024