Feb. 19, 2007 — Sobbing friends and family of Ariel Frett joined the V.I. Police Department Monday night in mourning the slain veteran officer.
Acting Police Commissioner James McCall said Frett knew the dangers of being a police officer and nonetheless continued to serve the Virgin Islands for 25 years on the force — even though he was eligible to retire after 20 years.
"Officer Frett was a police officer for 25 years — a very long period of time for any reason, for any purpose. And in the instance of Police Officer Frett, a lifetime of service to the people of the Virgin Islands," McCall told the 50 or more mourners gathered at the Alexander A. Farrelly Justice Center Courtyard.
Frett, 52, was off duty when gunned down mid-afternoon Feb. 8 during a confrontation in Hospital Ground. Prosecutors have charged a teenager and his brother with murder.
"Whatever we do, we must make sure that, number one, justice is served for Officer Frett, and that we ourselves are prepared that when our time come — whether that be us on the job or you or family members — that you are simply ready to meet the master and maker," said Deputy Police Chief Elvin Fahie.
Frett had worked an overnight shift on St. John the day of his death. He lived on St. Thomas.
"Officer Frett loved what he did," said Gov. John deJongh Jr. "He took tremendous pride in what he did. The only thing about life that we are certain about, is that one day it will end for many of us. The question becomes, 'How do we spend our time in between those days, from our birth to our end?' For Officer Frett, it is very clear to me that he enjoyed what he did."
A somber line of detectives, police officers and public officials viewed Frett's body in a flag-draped coffin outside the Superior Court Clerk's office.
The viewing will take place at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, at St. Andrews Church in Sugar Estate, with Frett's funeral at 10 a.m. He will be buried at Western Cemetery.
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