Becoming a Star for Brett
It is with a heavy heart that I am asking for your support to help raise money for the family of a fallen colleague.
Please be aware that this fundraiser is the only means of fundraising authorized and approved by the Smith family. This fundraiser is being organized by the Morristown Police Benevolent Association (P.B.A. Local 43) and is being managed by friends and family of the deceased.
Brett Smith was a Morristown guy through and through. He attended Morristown schools, was a fixture on local baseball diamonds, and was “the funniest guy ever” to all who met him. And like his childhood hero, Elvis, Brett dreamed of “becoming a star” one day.
After high school, Brett tested Hollywood stardom before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. where he served in Desert Storm as part of the 2ndLight Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. After his honorable discharge in 1994, Brett once again put his Hollywood dreams on hold because law enforcement and the love of his life came calling.
In 1999, Brett began his career with the Morristown Police Department and by 2001 he and his wife, Leigh, began raising their family in Morristown. On the job, Brett worked through multiple assignments in the Patrol Division before being assigned as a plain-clothes officer on the anti-crime team. In this prestigious assignment, Brett focused on narcotic cases in his ongoing efforts to make his hometown safer. Those efforts led to work on a larger drug enforcement task force where his unique talents helped make the entire County a safer place.
More than a Marine and Police Officer, Brett was a devoted husband and father first. He was also a loving son and brother and a loyal friend and colleague. To all who knew him, he was a born entertainer. A bright star who lit up every room he entered; and usually exited the room with laughter filling the air. Remarkably, Brett also found time to live out his dream of “becoming a star”. He amassed over 30 television and film credits, working with the likes of Steven Spielberg and Beyonce.
Unfortunately, sometimes the stars who are brightening our world the most are burning themselves out at the same time. Like so many before him (especially in the professions he chose), Brett lost his relatively brief but torturous battle with mental illness. Suicide has taken Brett from this world too soon and he leaves behind a family who needs our help. We ask that you consider “becoming a star” for Brett Smith's family.
All proceeds from this campaign will be provided directly to Brett’s wife, Leigh, his daughter Noelle, and his sons Billy and Christian. These funds will assist with immediate funeral costs. The funds will also be used to help with the health, maintenance, comfort, support, and education of the family in the coming months and years.
On behalf of myself, members of Morristown P.B.A. Local 43, the Screen Actors Guild, the U.S. Marines, and all those from Morristown who were touched by Brett, I thank you for the support you’ve shown for the Smith family during this difficult time.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide—whether you are in crisis or not—call or live chat the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).