Trooper Kermit Fitzpatrick, Michigan State Police, Michigan

Trooper Kermit Fitzpatrick

Michigan State Police, Michigan

End of Watch Sunday, July 7, 1991

Kermit Fitzpatrick

Trooper Kermit Fitzpatrick was shot and killed during a traffic stop on the Jeffries Freeway in Detroit.

As he approached the vehicle the driver produced a .22 caliber handgun and fired six times, striking Trooper Fitzpatrick in the jaw, in the chest twice, and in the leg. Two additional shots were stopped by his bullet proof vest.

The suspect was apprehended and sentenced to life in solitary confinement and hard labor without the possibility of parole.

Trooper Fitzpatrick was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 30
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .22 caliber
Offender Sentenced to life

Most Recent Reflection

View all 41 Reflections

I knew Trooper Fitzpatrick as a USA Reservist with the 70th IN Div (Trng) in the late 1980's. At that time he also was a professional boxer, out of Livonia, MI, in the heavy weight division + a MI State police officer/Trooper. He was the original "Gentle Giant" throughout all phases of his life!

At approximately 0830hrs on the Lodge expressway, in proximity to the Joy Rd ramp, on Sunday morning 7/7/91 he stopped a vehicle operated by a white male for a defective rear license plate. Said vehicle was carrying a cache of weapons. Upon his approach to the vehicle, he was fired upon and died immediately. His killer was later apprehended by law enforcement, tried and convicted of his murder!

When Trooper Fitzpatrick was killed in the line of duty; MSP didn't lose a Trooper....instead the nation lost an individual who died FOREVER YOUNG. God's eternal rest of your soul Kermit............you were the "real,steel, deal".

Maj Roger L. Kehrier
USA; USAR; BNDD;ODALE & DEA

September 11, 2017