Crime & Safety
West Bloomfield Township Remembers Fallen Officer
A release of Chinese lanterns and a highway dedication are among the events that will honor the memory of Sgt. Patrick O'Rourke.
A year ago Monday, the community mourned the loss of Sergeant Patrick O'Rourke, a 12-year veteran of the West Bloomfield Township Police Department who was shot and killed in the line of duty.
O'Rourke, who left behind his wife, Amy, and four children, will be remembered Monday night as 55 Chinese lanterns are launched from the North Road Elementary School playground, 525 North Road in Fenton. O'Rourke's badge number was 55.
On Friday, part of old U.S.-23 will be dedicated as the Sgt. Patrick O’Rourke Memorial Highway.
In a Sept. 6 interview with WDIV-TV, Amy O'Rourke talked about a Facebook page she created, which she said has connected her with others and is "helping me find the good in this horrible thing that's happened to us." The Detroit Free Press reports that Amy intends to write a book in the coming year.
The West Bloomfield Township Police Department plans to dedicate a memorial to fallen officers later this year. Workers revamping the township campus have already created the space for it.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
