West Bloomfield Police to Host Candlelight Vigil for Fenton's Patrick O’Rourke

Community leaders, clergy, police officers, firefighters, township personnel and concerned residents will gather Tuesday for a candlelight vigil in memory of fallen , the first police officer in the community’s history to fall in the line of duty.

 “We are experiencing tremendous grief over the death of Officer O’Rourke,” said West Bloomfield Township Supervisor Michele Economou Ureste. “We are joining with members of the West Bloomfield Clergy Association to honor the memory of this hero who was lost to a senseless act of violence. The entire community is invited to come together and share their grief and express their gratitude to the brave police officers and firefighters who risk lives for us every day of the year.”

with his wife and four children and attended St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

“The Police Department is establishing a fund to help the family of Officer O’Rourke,” said West Bloomfield Township Clerk Catherine Shaughnessy. “Officer O’Rourke was the father of four young children and we want to assist his family in any way that we can. This fund is being created at the request of many members of the West Bloomfield community as a way to express our appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice made by Patrick O’Rourke.”

Information about how to make donations to the memorial fund will be made available at the vigil.

The candlelight vigil will be held in front of the , 4530 Walnut Lake Road Tuesday night at 7:45 p.m.