Memorials to Honor Fallen Officer From Livingston County

5/6/13 - A police officer from Livingston County will be among those honored at a ceremony tonight in Lansing and then this weekend in the nation’s capital. Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors, known as MI-C.O.P.S., is hosting the 20th Annual Michigan Peace Officers’ Candlelight Memorial Service at 7pm on the steps of the State Capitol in Lansing. The three officers being honored this year are West Bloomfield Sergeant Patrick O’Rourke, who lived with his wife Amy and their four children in Tyrone Township. O’Rourke was killed last September after responding to a domestic dispute. Also being honored tonight are Denver Police Officer Celena Hollis, a former Detroit Police Officer killed while trying to break up a fight and Britney Meux, an Indiana Corrections officer who has family members living in Michigan. She was killed by a hit-and-run driver during a training exercise. Tonight’s memorial service in Lansing is open to the public. Survivors and other program participants will begin gathering at 6pm at Lansing City Hall, across from the Capitol. At 7, they will lead a procession along with an honor guard to the Capitol with a memorial wreath. O’Rourke will also be honored later this week during the Police Unity Tour. Beginning Thursday, hundreds of police officers from all over the United States will ride bicycles from New Jersey to Washington to raise awareness and financial support for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. O’Rourke’s name will be added to the memorial this year and his name called during a candlelight vigil after the Police Unity Tour riders arrive on Sunday. (JK)