There was a solemn tribute Friday to a man who died trying to serve and protect. Family, friends and those who never even knew West Bloomfield Officer Patrick O'Rourke came out to the funeral to show their respect.
There was a solemn tribute Friday to a man who died trying to serve and protect. Family, friends and those who never even knew West Bloomfield Police Officer Patrick O'Rourke came out to the funeral to show their respect.
FENTON, Mich. (myFOXDetroit.com) -
There was a solemn tribute Friday to a man who died trying to serve and protect. Family, friends and those who never even knew West Bloomfield Police Officer Patrick O'Rourke came out to the funeral to show their respect.
Sarah Samborski understands. She lost her husband, an Oak Park officer, back in 2008.
"Everyone's journey is a little bit different, and there's going to be so many ups and downs. You really just have to take it day by day."
Mourners packed St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Fenton to say good-bye to the twelve year veteran of the force. O'Rourke was the first West Bloomfield police officer ever to be killed on duty.
At the service, O'Rourke was described as a tender, strong and courageous man.
Officer O'Rourke spent his final moments on Sunday night warning neighbors. He was trying to help what he believed to be a suicidal man when that man allegedly opened fire on him through a door. The deadly shooting led to a 20 hour standoff with the suspect, Ricky Coley, eventually turning the gun on himself.
O'Rourke was a hero in life and now in death. His memory is forever with those who loved and lost him, those who will never forget.
Officer Patrick O'Rourke was 39.
An education, health and welfare fund has been setup for the family of Officer O'Rourke. You can make a donation at any Bank of America branch. There is now also a website that has now been created. It's www.WestBloomfieldHero.com.
You can leave your written and audio condolences to the O'Rourke family by logging on to the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home.
Attorney Norman Yatooma's foundation also set up a fund for the families of O'Rourke and Coley. Remember Coley also left behind a young son. You can donate online at www.ForTheKidsFoundation.org or you can send a donation to Yatooma's Foundation for the Kids, 1900 South Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48302.
The Royal Duchess Boutique in West Bloomfield will also be donating proceeds from sales this coming Monday to O'Rourke's wife and children. The store is located at 4301 Orchard Lake Road in West Bloomfield.
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Friday, September 14 2012 9:33 PM EDT2012-09-15 01:33:34 GMT
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Amy O'Rourke holds her eight-month-old son while thanking everyone for their support during Friday's funeral Mass for her husband Patrick.
Hundreds gather for a funeral Mass inside St. John the Evangelist church in Fenton.
Amy O'Rourke, wife of fallen officer Patrick O'Rourke arrives at a Fenton church Friday morning. (Amy Andrews)
The body of fallen officer Patrick O'Rourke arrives at a Fenton church Friday morning.
