Sergeant Patrick John O'Rourke, West Bloomfield Police Department, Michigan

Sergeant Patrick John O'Rourke

West Bloomfield Police Department, Michigan

End of Watch Sunday, September 9, 2012

Patrick John O'Rourke

Sergeant Patrick O'Rourke was shot and killed while making entry into a home on Forest Edge Lane after responding to a domestic dispute and reports of shots fired from inside the house.

Sergeant O'Rourke's shift had just ended when they received the call and he joined other officers to assist. He and four other officers had responded to the initial call shortly after 10:00 pm. Several family members who had been in the home had exited it prior to the arrival of the officers and informed them that the man inside may have committed suicide.

The officers entered the home and made their way to a bedroom. Before entering the bedroom they called out the subject's name but were met with gunfire through the bedroom door. Sergeant O'Rourke was struck by the gunfire and critically wounded. He was transported to McLaren Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.

After a standoff of nearly 20 hours and after exchanging hundreds of rounds of gunfire with members of several local agencies, the subject was found dead from a single, self-inflicted gunshot in the home the following evening after an entry by members of the Special Response Team.

Sergeant O'Rourke had served with the West Bloomfield Police Department for 12 years and was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant. He is survived by his wife, four children, parents, and three brothers.

Bio

Age 39
Tour 12 years
Badge 55

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle
Offender Shot and killed

Most Recent Reflection

View all 308 Reflections

Rest in peace Brother. Your family is in our families prayers.

My faithful servant.
You were called upon to serve others.
You were asked to see, what no man should ever have to see.
To go through, what no man should ever have to go through.
But you did so with pride, honor, and integrity.

My faithful servant.
You were called upon to defend those, who could not defend themselves.
To provide justice to those, who did not respect it.
To lay down your life, if the time called for it.
Again, you did not question what was asked of you.
You did it with love, compassion, and loyalty.

My faithful servant.
In times of adversity, you prayed for strength.
In times of triumph, you praised your Lord.
You served your Country, State, and city proud.
Your service will forever be remembered by the many lives you’ve touched.

My faithful servant.
When your service on this earth is finally complete.
I will welcome you home with open arms.
I will embrace you and proclaim,
“Well done thou good and faithful servant.”

Rest in Peace my brother...you will never be forgotten.