GRIFFIN, Ga. — Griffin is mourning the death of a man one law enforcement agency called "one of the last old school police legends."
The Griffin Police Department said John D. "Johnny" Jett has passed away. He began his career in policing in 1972, the department said in a release, and "moved through the ranks, serving in every facet of the department" until he retired in 2009.
"Assistant Chief Jett was a true mentor in every sense of the word, training and supervising with leadership that is reminiscent of a by-gone era of Law Enforcement," the Griffin Police statement said.
It noted that two of Jett's sons, Lt. John Daniel Jett and Sgt. Cary Jackson, followed in their father's footsteps and now serve the department.
In a Facebook post, the Spalding County Sheriff's Office said its thoughts and prayers were with his family, and called Jett "a huge influence on many of our lives as we grew up as officers."
"He loved the people of Griffin, and had a heart for serving others as demonstrated by his long career," the post said. "He helped more people who needed help than you will ever know and he never asked for anything in return. He was respected all across the community and was one of the last of the old school police legends. He was one of those guys who practiced 'Community Policing' before it was a buzzword or anyone knew what it was. It was an honor to work with him, and an honor to learn from him. Thank you for your service 205. Rest easy sir. We will take it from here."
Griffin Police said Jett "was well known in the community on and off duty and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him."
Funeral services for Jett will begin with a visitation on Saturday, Feb. 6, at Conner Westbury Funeral Home from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
A funeral will be held the next day, Sunday Feb. 7, starting at 2 p.m. at the Conner Westbury Funeral Home chapel, with graveside services at Oak Hill Cemetery to follow.
