In Memory of Deputy Sheriff Kietrell Pitts

Louisiana Deputy Loses Battle with COVID19

Deputy Sheriff Kietrell Pitts, 44, died on March 31, 2020, from complications of COVID-19 after contracting the virus while on duty in the Tangipahoa Parish Jail in Hammond, Louisiana. Deputy Pitts had served with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office for two years and two months. His mother, Mary, survives him.

Kietrell Michael Pitts was born to Mary Pitts on April 1, 1976, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He went to Walter L. Cohen High School, New Orleans, Louisiana, and attended Southern University at New Orleans.

Deputy Sheriff Pitts was a resident of Kentwood in Louisiana. He was active in community activities, including his drive he started on March 19, 2018, to collect for a fundraising campaign for Alzheimer’s. Family, friends, and colleagues of the entire community who loved Kietrell were invited to pay their respects and comfort his mother and family at the Visitation at Richardson Funeral Home, in Amite, La, Saturday, June 6, 2020, from 9 am to 11 am. Immediately following the Visitation, a Graveside service was held at Venable Chapel Cemetery in Greensburg, LA, at noon. Face masks were required to help control the spread of COVID-19.

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office

Deputy Sheriff Kietrell Michael Pitt had served two years and two months with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office at his death. Earlier this year, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders all over the country contracted COVID-19 during the global pandemic because of the requirements of their job. Sadly, a lot of these first responders died as a result of COVID-19 and are still dying. Without proper protective gear, it is nearly impossible for these heroes to do their jobs.

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office strives to be instrumental in preserving the community’s quality of life by maintaining Tangipahoa Parish as a safe and secure place to live, work, and play. To achieve this goal, the Sheriff’s Office maintains open communication lines between community members and law enforcement, allowing them to work in tandem to prevent, report, and solve crime and problems of mutual concern.

The Sheriff’s Office has a very detailed website that is significant, “community action/involved,” and friendly. There is a myriad of programs on the website to help all members of the community. There are a few alcohol and drug addiction recovery groups. There is the SALT (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) program that works specifically with seniors for seniors in regards to any of their concerns. Victims of rape can turn to the RAD (The Rape Aggression Defense System) program, which covers awareness, prevention, risk reduction, and self-defense techniques in a rape or assault situation. Another great program a click away is the Crime Victims Reparations, whereby innocent victims of crimes are assisted with the financial costs of crime when they have no other means of paying.

Family, Community, and Memories

The Pitts family and the entire Kentwood, La community were deeply saddened to announce the passing of their very own Deputy Sheriff Kietrell Michael Pitts. He was truly loved and will be missed for his infectious smile, well-dressed swag, love for people, the New Orleans Saints, and family-oriented mindset.

Robert Jones, a friend of the Pitts family, expressed his sorrow on a post on Facebook. “You and your family are in my heart and mind, my condolences on the passing of your son ( Kietrell Pitts ). It’s terrible to hear about your loss. I express my sincere sympathy to you and your family. May God give you the peace that you seek. I offer you my thoughts, prayers, and well wishes during this dark time in your life, and may God give him Eternal Rest and his family the strength to bear the great pain.”

Mary Alice Williams-Robinson, a family friend, shared her memories of Deputy Pitts. “When I think of Kietrell, I smile—remembering the visits to your home and the warm, sincere hospitality you both shared with my son. I know a mother’s love, and I am deeply sorry for your loss. Peace and blessings unto you.”

Denise A. Thomas, a friend of the family, shared her condolences with Deputy Pitts’ family. “To Mary & the entire Pitts Family, We are deeply sorry for your loss. You & your son are in our hearts from the days of the Banneker Family. GOD WILL TAKE CARE.”

Latisha (DeeDee) Ellis, a friend from Abita Springs, wrote a personal message to the Deputy “Until we meet again, Big Guy. I’m going to miss your sweet personality! I miss you more than you know.”

Gail M. Pabst, a stranger to the Pitts family, shared her deeply heartfelt advice on how to get through this pain. Gail had lost her niece, Detroit Officer Jennifer Fettig, in 2004, so her shared experience, and similar feelings might ease the sorrow. “My family and I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and co-workers of Deputy Sheriff Kietrell Pitts during this difficult time. May they find comfort and support from those around them. May happy moments from the past bring forth precious memories to cherish for a lifetime. May God help heal their aching hearts. Thank you for your service and may you rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Kietrell Pitts.”