Outpouring of support after West Bloomfield officer killed
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By Ronnie Dahl, Fox 2 News -
West Bloomfield Officer Patrick O'Rourke
WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. (myFOXDetroit.com) -
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.
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West Bloomfield Officer Patrick O'Rourke
