Detroit Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch Friday, October 9, 1987
Add to My HeroesJohn James Fitzpatrick
Officer Fitzpatrick was struck and killed by a drunk driver while on patrol at Van Dyke and East Outer Drive. The impaired driver ran a red light at 80 mph pushing Officer Fitzpatrick's patrol car across three lanes of traffic.
Officer Fitzpatrick served with the Detroit Police Department for 18 years and was a member of the tactical services section. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons.
Bio
- Age 41
- Tour 18 years
- Badge 1697
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicular assault
- Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
- Offender Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 11 ReflectionsFitz, You were my assigned partner. You'd been around a few years and knew the ropes. I learned a lot from you. I truly hated your cigars, though.
I met your bride, as you referred to her, only once. What a lovely woman. You gave me a used bicycle for my son. I couldn't afford to purchase one at the time.
It's been over 30 years, but one day I hope to run into you again, Jack.
Police Officer Jim Orlando, Retired
Detroit PD, John's car partner.
July 10, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths
![Segus R. Jolivette](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27106/c_2024_jolivette.jpg)
Senior Corporal Segus R. Jolivette
Lafayette Police Department, LA
EOW: July 25, 2024
![Mohamed Said](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27101/police-officer-mohamed-said.jpg)
Corporal Mohamed Said
Melvindale Police Department, MI
EOW: July 21, 2024
![Edgar Ordonez](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27100/c_edgar-ordonez.jpg)
Probationary Police Officer Edgar Ordonez
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: July 10, 2024
![Robert William Sumner](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27096/c_robert-sumner.png)
Corporal Robert William Sumner
Oklahoma Department of Corrections, OK
EOW: July 14, 2024
![Matthew Bowen](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27095/police-officer-matthew-bowen.jpg)
Police Officer Matthew Bowen
Vacaville Police Department, CA
EOW: July 11, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fernando Esqueda
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: July 11, 2024
![Kevin Linn Palmer](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27091/c_k._palmer.jpg)
Assistant Chief Kevin Linn Palmer
North Richland Hills Police Department, TX
EOW: May 1, 2024
![Jamieson Ritter](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27085/police-officer-jamieson-ritter.jpg)
Police Officer Jamieson Ritter
Cleveland Division of Police, OH
EOW: July 4, 2024
![William Butler, Jr.](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27084/c_butler-bill.jpg)
Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr.
Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office, MI
EOW: June 27, 2024