Patrick O'Rourke served the West Bloomfield community with honor and dignity. Those he helped keep safe are now coming together to pay him back by helping his family.
Amy O'Rourke is a pillar of faith and strength to her four small children. Their tragedy has touched the hearts of so many.
"What a strong, loving person she is. I'm also a Roman Catholic, and I know that he's in heaven," said Barbara Jacoboni.
"It's hard for anyone to see a loss like that, and then having her four kids," said Lynda Pierce.
O'Rourke had been showing up for work at the West Bloomfield Township Police Department for the past twelve years. Sunday night, he died on the job, shot while responding to a domestic call at Ricky Coley home on Forest Edge Lane. The 39-year-old police officer's death is the first for the department.
"Everybody's been very gracious and supportive, and we really appreciate that," said Lieutenant Timothy Diamond.
The community is responding to the tragedy by giving, some making monetary donations, others offering the gift of prayer.
On a Facebook page set up for the officer, strangers are reaching out, even offering to mow his lawn. They just feel like they have to do something.
"I just wanted to pay my respects out of love for his work for us," Jacoboni said.
Support and condolences have been pouring in for the slain officer's family from across the country. O'Rourke's brothers and sisters in blue have set up a website in his honor for those wishing to give.
His death has been a sad reminder to cherish our loved ones every moment of everyday.
"There's another website called WestBloomfieldHero.com where you can go on that website, there's a link to Bank of America and you can actually use your credit card, which makes it very simple," Diamond explained.
"It makes me look at my husband in a new way. We never know how long we're going to be here, whether we will see our loves ones the next day," Jacoboni remarked.
The helping hand is being extended to Patrick O'Rourke's police family, as well. Officers from other law enforcement agencies are volunteering their time to work in West Bloomfield so the entire department can pay their final respects and attend O'Rourke's funeral on Friday.
Saturday, February 23 2013 11:33 PM EST2013-02-24 04:33:03 GMT
An AK-47, three other long guns and two handguns are now off the streets of Detroit. The weapons were confiscated by Wayne County Sherrif's deputies during a raid at a suspected drug house.
An AK-47, three other long guns and two handguns are now off the streets of Detroit. The weapons were confiscated by Wayne County Sherrif's deputies during a raid at a suspected drug house.
Saturday, February 23 2013 8:56 PM EST2013-02-24 01:56:59 GMT
Michigan's road to recovery could take a big hit if congress allows $85 million in cuts to the defense department. Tens of thousands of jobs could be at risk in our state, especially in Macomb County.n.
Michigan's road to recovery could take a big hit if congress allows $85 million in cuts to the defense department. Tens of thousands of jobs could be at risk in our state, especially in Macomb County.
Monday, February 18 2013 6:38 PM EST2013-02-18 23:38:52 GMT
A mother is pained beyond words. Her three-year-old daughter was killed in a crash Sunday on Detroit's west side less than a block from her house. The chaotic scene was visible from her front door.
A mother is pained beyond words. Her three-year-old daughter was killed in a crash Sunday on Detroit's west side less than a block from her house. The chaotic scene was visible from her front door.
Sunday, February 17 2013 11:16 PM EST2013-02-18 04:16:14 GMT
Thick smoke and orange flames could be seen shooting out of a long-abandoned home on Detroit's northwest side late Sunday. Detroit fire fighters worked in the freezing cold temperatures to contain the
A Detroit woman finds her house damaged after a suspected arsonist sets the vacant home next door on fire.
Saturday, February 16 2013 8:15 PM EST2013-02-17 01:15:29 GMT
One person is dead, several others are injured after a day filled with chain reaction crashes on Metro Detroit freeways. The deadly crash took place on I-96 westbound at Wixom Road.
One person is dead, several others are injured after a day filled with chain reaction crashes on Metro Detroit freeways. The deadly crash took place on I-96 westbound at Wixom Road. So far, no information has been released about the victim.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 4:23 PM EDT2013-05-22 20:23:58 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:44 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:44:18 GMT
Today at 2 p.m. 100 community leaders, union officials, concerned residents and Northwestern High School Alumni will protest the closure of the high school.
Today at 2 p.m. 100 community leaders, union officials, concerned residents and Northwestern High School Alumni will protest the closure of the high school.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:36 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:36:39 GMT
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:19 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:19:38 GMT
Police say a 1-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in a water-filled bathtub in Flint. Police are treating the child's death Monday night as suspicious.
Police say a 1-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in a water-filled bathtub in Flint. Police are treating the child's death Monday night as suspicious.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:45 AM EDT2013-05-22 13:45:43 GMT
Authorities say a 72-year-old suburban Detroit woman has been arrested after firing a shot from a .38 caliber handgun at her daughter during an argument.
Authorities say a 72-year-old suburban Detroit woman has been arrested after firing a shot from a .38 caliber handgun at her daughter during an argument.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:38 AM EDT2013-05-22 11:38:56 GMT
A memorial service is this weekend for a newly married Detroit-area youth minister who was killed in a traffic accident as he and his wife were en route to their honeymoon in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
A memorial service is this weekend for a newly married Detroit-area youth minister who was killed in a traffic accident as he and his wife were en route to their honeymoon in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
West Bloomfield Officer Patrick O'Rourke
