Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Condolences to his family and his loved ones

Carson loveless

February 6, 2024

Kermit was a classmate, fellow soldier and a great friend. We survived ROTC together. He always had my back and I his. Sorry for our loss. SCOUTS OUT!

Major Joseph Richardson
US Army / Friend

July 12, 2023

I had the pleasure of being a classmate and teammate with Kermit at WMU back in 1980-1982. We were both heavyweights on the wrestling team and spent hours together while at practice, or on the road, or at matches. While Kermit and I competed, I learned much from Kermit about grace and positivity.

When I learned of his passing, it reminded me of how life can be fleeting, even for those who give much of themselves for the safety of others. Kermit, rest in peace.

Doug Henderson, Classmate and Teammate

March 10, 2023

I knew Kermit from High School he used to tease me everyday but it was all in fun nothing serious no hurt feelings or anything like that. Kermit was a sweetie. Although he was a force to be reckoned with and believe me just his presence made people scared like I ain’t gonna mess with him but Kermit was a gentle giant. I think about him and miss him. He didn’t deserve what happened he was just doing his job. But know that Heaven gained an angel indeed. Kermit was such a kind and gentle soul. R. I.P my friend ❤️

Carolyn Ginn
Classmate and sister to Rtr. DPD Officer Dewitt Shelton

December 9, 2022

Kermit and I stayed in the same dorm at WMU....Bigelow. His Intimidating
stature and his gentle persona drew me to him as a righteous guy. I remember he entered a tough man contest in Kalamazoo. All our friends and buddies kind of dismissed as propaganda. This was during the time when these kind of matches was just starting to gain traction. Kermit won! We were friends for the entire time we at WMU together. I still think about him on occasion to this day when I look back on those who impacted my
4 yrs. at WMU.

He was also on WMU football team!

Until we meet again bro! Sweet Rest

Michael Angelo Kitchen
Close Friend @ WMU

July 7, 2022

Another year to say thank you and to say that your law enforcement family will never forget. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 7, 2022

My Blood my Family not a Day go by me not thinking about our quincy st days growing up together two sisters sons my heart is still at a lost.
As your Birthday nears I remember you as my cuz my Blood my Loves my cousin who's just 11 month older then me, I smile (inside family joke with me and buddy)
Rest in God's Heavenly peace with your mom, sister, and brother, and our Family and my mom!!!
~ Rabbit

Garry Fitzpatrick
Garry Fitzpatrick, cousin

January 15, 2022

I knew Kermit at WMU when I worked in the cafeteria. He was so kind...gentle giant. I remember I was in charge of the turnstyle and didn't open it fast enough causing him to crash into it. I apologized--he was so gracious. I remember how sweet he was...will not forget. His family must have been so proud of him. I am so sorry for their loss.

Kitty Soma
WMU classmate

August 1, 2021

Trooper Fitzpatrick,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army Reserve. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 7, 2021

I did not know Kermit very well as I only played football with him in the early 90's but came to know him as a gentle and quiet person. I think of him often now every time I hear someone talk about "routine traffic stops" as there is no such thing. These fathers, husbands, sons, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, etc put their lives on the line every single day so that the rest of us can remain safe and return home to our loved ones, something Kermit was not able to do. He may be gone but will never be forgotten. RIP Kermit.

Mark R Johnson
Friend

April 24, 2021

Thank you

Carolyn- Classmate and friend
Classmate

December 24, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 7, 2020

Rest in peace Trooper Fitzpatrick.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 29, 2019

July 7 , 1991 I had just returned home from a camping trip and dropped my girlfriend off at her home, and planned on returning to pick her up after unpacking my car. I pulled up to my house that was located in the quiet farm town of Pittsford Michigan. We always left our doors unlocked and never worried about anyone invading our home. I started unpacking my car and entered the house with my suit case in hand. I then saw my grandmother laying on the couch sleeping; I shut the front door only to have my grandmother ask me to leave it open because of the heat. I opened the door and turned to pick up my bag. The door suddenly slammed shut behind me. I turned around and infront of me was a man holding a pistol to my head, threatening to shoot me if I did not turn over the keys to my grandmother's car. I told the man "relax I'll give you the keys to my car". After we located the keys, I was able to calm the man by asking him if he was hungry or needed anything. I explained to him that I had been in trouble before, hoping to build a little rapport with him as he ate. I searched for any opportunity to take this guy out, but was unsuccessful. The man kept his distance from me. After he finished eating, he removed the phone from our wall and took money off the dinning room table. He wore a long, black trench coat. The man pointed his gun at me once again and stated " I'm going to take you out to the barn and shoot you" as we walked out I told my grandmother I loved her and not to open the door again. We made our way to the barn, which the man must have scoped out prior, since he already knew there was another phone in the barn. He ordered me to remove the phone from the wall at gun point. I began to give him some shit, I was young and cocky, not knowing he was a killer. Things turned quickly when he reminded me how serious he was, with a swift pistol whip to the forehead. I removed the phone from the wall and handed it to him. The man turned and walked out of the barn and told me, " When you call the cops, tell them 'cop killer' was here." The man climbed into my grandmother's car, which she pulled into the driveway for him since she had left $300 in the ashtray. When he began to leave, I ran as fast as I could to the house and grabbed my Remington 30-06. As he pulled out of the driveway, I was able to fire three rounds off at him before my grandmother pulled me to the ground. We headed to the neighbor's home to use their phone and could contact the police. While giving the description of the man to the state troopers, I heard them say, "this sounds like the man who killed a state trooper today." It wasn't until later that I found out, the man killed was Trooper Kermit Fitzpatrick.

Correction Officer Michael Lennox
MDOC

July 5, 2019

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

I personally knew Trooper Fitzpatrick as a USA Reservist with the 70th IN Trng Div; headquartered in Livonia, MI 48150 south of I-96 and east of Levan. He truly was the original "GENTLE GIANT"; born with a heart of gold and massive fists! His talent inside a boxing ring was very well earned.

Unfortunately; the very best die FOREVER YOUNG!!!!!!!!!!

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

September 10, 2017

I met TPR .Fitzpatrick, 36th Dist ct in Detroit Mi. in 1990 and created an immediate bond with the man. He was a Very strong communicator and gifted person and dedicated to his profession. I was mowing my lawn the day of his death, i stopped, sat on my porch and cried like a baby. It was not until after his death I found out we had so much in common outside of our jurisdiction occupation. along with the similarities of our names we both were raised and graduated from Highland Park High School. There is a six year age difference between us It is a honor to have met him and he will always have a place in my life's memories.

P.O Kelvin Patrick
Detroit Police

May 20, 2017

I remember Trooper Fitzpatrick every time a criminal is shot by a police officer and people march in the streets and try to make a saint out of a lowlife. How come no one remembers the police officers who have been killed trying to protect these same people. Kermit deserves more than just a little tree by the side of the freeway (if it is still there)

Gary
Citizen

January 14, 2016

Kermit

My true friend, my recruit school partner. My road partner out of recruit school, assigned to the New Baltimore Post in Macomb County Michigan. A gentle giant! I remember our recruit school trials and the great memories we had. I remember when I got into a shooting in Detroit, you were there for me through the entired ordeal. The three of us, YOU, Andre Washington and I will never be separated. We will see you in Glory with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Peace my Brother! Maranatha!

Trooper Bruce Paris
Michigan State Police

August 29, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

July 15, 2015

Kermit, you were a great friend and will forever be part of my fond memories of Western Michigan University. You were always pleasant and fun to be around, always smiling, laughing, joking and positive (except for that ONE TIME, and in retrospect, even that is funny!). I'll always remember the fun we had playing intramural football (Long Live The Mob Squad!), laughing and joking late at night in the dorm, in the cafeteria, playing pool and ping-pong. All these years later it still hard to believe you're gone. Love you man!

Bruce Ford
Friend

August 22, 2014

Uncle Kermit, I miss you so much. Almost 23 years later, I still hold the memories of our fun times at Palmer Park wrestling, though I was always on the losing end of it, the time you took to take me to Western to help me college decisions, when you took me to the State Police Academy to show me around, and just so many other warm memories. I celebrate you on this day and everyday. I can never use enough words to express how much I respected you and loved you. You were a big brother to me. In my heart and spirit, you have not gone anywhere. I hold fast the guidance that you instilled in me and am doing what I can to instill it in your Great niece and nephew.
Luv u Uncle Kermit

Mike Waters

January 30, 2014

Kermit,

Classmate and fellow member of the 101st Trooper Recruit School. We miss you everyday. Last night I was driving in Detroit and went by the spot where you lost your life. I pulled over and said a special prayer.

I think of you often. God speed my friend

Captain John Halpin
Michigan State Police

October 5, 2013

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

July 7, 2013

Rest in God Loving Peace my Blood my cousin ~ Garry
Time don't heal time only move from that pain.
Garry Fitzpatrick

Garry Fitzpatrick
Cousin

June 30, 2013