8/18/14 - The annual Woodward Dream Cruise this weekend featured one car that truly represented the pride and joy of its owner. The Lights and Sirens Parade on Saturday in Ferndale ushers in the official start of the Dream Cruise. The tradition gives police and fire departments, along with collectors of historical emergency vehicles, a chance to show off their vehicles in a parade down Woodward Avenue. But this year, one car carried an extra special message. Dan and Arlene OâRourke of Hartland Township took part in the opening ceremony and drove their sonâs now de-commissioned squad car in the parade. Their son, West Bloomfield Sgt. Patrick OâRourke, died in the line of duty in 2012 when a heavily-armed man barricaded himself into a bedroom and was said to be suicidal. When officers entered the home he opened fire and killed OâRourke instantly. OâRourke lived in Tyrone Township with his wife and their four children. Dan OâRourke later convinced West Bloomfield Police to sell him his sonâs squad car, which has been transformed into a rolling tribute to his son. After the ceremonial ribbon had been cut, Dan and Arlene drove their sonâs car north on Woodward, leading the parade of response vehicles. (JK)
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