Former V.I. lawmaker and law enforcement leader Milton Frett died in California on Tuesday. Among those paying tribute was Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., who remembered Frett as a family friend.
Senate President Novelle Francis and Sen. Dwayne DeGraff — who both served in the Virgin Islands Police Department — praised Frett’s leadership as police commissioner.
Frett, who was known by the nickname “Bull,” served as commissioner under former Gov. Alexander Farrelly in the late 1980s and early 1990s. “We lost one of the greats,” DeGraff said.
In extending his condolence message, Bryan said he felt Frett’s death on a personal level because he and the governor’s father were friends.
“To my family and me, ‘Bull’ was more than a public servant — he was a force. A two-term senator, a businessman, and a decades-long law enforcement leader, he always had the back of the people of the Virgin Islands,” Bryan said.
The governor called his family’s friend a man of “courage, heart and strength.”
Francis — himself a former police commissioner — also remembered Frett as he transitioned through his roles in the public and private sectors. DeGraff remembered his days as a young police officer under Frett’s leadership.
“Through his initiative, new policies, rules and regulations were established. He also created new divisions in the department to best meet and serve the needs of the community,” Francis said.
And as Sen. Carla Joseph paid tribute to Frett, she recalled his roots in the Savan community of St. Thomas. “We are deeply grateful for Senator Frett’s contributions to the community. His kindness and comradery, as well as his no-nonsense approach to life have left a lasting impact on us all.”
She added — perhaps from experience — that the former lawmaker and commissioner was also a pretty good cook. “His ability to command the kitchen and delight everyone with his local cuisine was a testament to his diverse talents. Once you tasted his food, you couldn’t help but come back for more.”
Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach, who called Frett “a dear and valued friend,” concurred.
“Among his many passions, Milton was also widely known for his love for cooking and for his extraordinary skills in Virgin Islands foodways. He was an amazing chef who prepared authentic selections from Virgin Islands cuisine, like red peas soup, conch chowder, and his masterpiece, bull head souse. His food was always in high demand and widely appreciated by all who were privileged to eat at his table,” Roach said in a statement.
But among his many roles, Frett “was an exceptional example of community policing, an approach to policing which keeps police officers engaged with those who are at the center of their pledge to serve, the people. He applied a strong but caring and compassionate approach to policing. And although he was imbued with the power of his office, he discharged that power in a manner that was kind, yet effective, humble but firm. He was a man of his word, and when he gave it, he kept it as a bond,” Roach said.
“Milton was a highly committed public servant who added depth, flavor, and his unique verve to Virgin Islands life and culture. I extend prayers of peace and comfort to his loved ones and all who are left to mourn. We are grateful for his service and his legacy. May he now rest in peace and glory,” the lieutenant governor said.
