9/13/13 - A fallen police sergeant was honored this morning in Tyrone Township as a stretch of Old US-23 was dedicated in his name. Sergeant Patrick OâRourke, a West Bloomfield officer who lived in Tyrone Township, was shot and killed just over a year ago by a barricaded gunman, leaving behind a wife and four children. The ceremony was held just south of Center Rd. with the unveiling of a sign renaming it âThe Sgt. Patrick OâRourke Memorial Highwayâ. Amy OâRourke, Patrickâs wife, revealed the sign with state Representative Cindy Denby of Handy Township and State Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township. OâRourke tells WHMI she hopes the sign dedication will serve as a reminder to the community of her husband's service. The one year anniversary of Sgt. OâRourkeâs death was Wednesday and the school her children attend cancelled class for the day so the entire school could attend the memorial service. Amy says they remembered him by attending mass at their church, St. Johnâs, with the honor guard and fellow officers. OâRourke tells WHMI the past year has been a mixture of things good and bad. Amy and her children placed a red rose on his headstone and released 55 Chinese lanterns in honor of Patrickâs badge number, which she believes he uses to still communicate with her. 10-55 in police code means âIâm okayâ. (DK)
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