Wixom Gas Station Raises $12,000 for Patrick O'Rourke

A Wixom business owner and a Wixom police officer made grown men cry when they delivered a check for more than $12,000 to the West Bloomfield Police Department in honor of Officer Patrick O'Rourke, a 12-year veteran who was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty earlier this month.

Eddie Osman, owner of the Osman Marathon Gas Station on Wixom Road, joined Wixom’s Administrative Sergeant Charlie Yon earlier this week to present $12,207 to West Bloomfield Police Chief Mike Patton and his staff for the “Officer O'Rourke Family Trust,” which will benefit the health, education and welfare of O'Rourke's family.

“There were tears coming from their eyes,” Osman said of the presentation to West Bloomfield police officers. “They were so touched by everyone’s kindness. You could see the tears in the eyes of the chief of police in West Bloomfield. It was amazing.”

The $12,000 donation was the result of an two-day fundraiser, in which Osman contributed 5 cents of every gallon purchased at the Marathon station from Sept. 20-21. Customers who visited the station also received free coffee, donuts and hot dogs during the event. Fellow Wixom business owners, corporate entities and local public officials also contributed to the event.

“They [the West Bloomfield police officers] were amazed by the generosity of the American people – and all the businesses in the great community of Wixom,” Osman said.

was killed on Sept. 9 in the line of duty by a man barricaded in his home at the North Woods Forest subdivision near the intersection of Halsted and Pontiac Trail.

O'Rourke left behind a family of three elementary school-age daughters and one infant son, and his widow, Amy. The trust fund was established by West Bloomfield Township officials. Residents can donate directly to the trust fund at any Bank of America branch or online.

—The above information was provided in a press release.