Flags lowered today for fallen officer

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder has ordered U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff within the state Capitol Complex and at state buildings, grounds and facilities throughout Michigan in honor of West Bloomfield Township Police Officer Patrick O’Rourke, of Fenton, on Friday, Sept. 14. Flags should be returned to full-staff on Saturday, Sept. 15.

O’Rourke, 39, was fatally shot Sept. 9 as he and fellow officers attempted to assist a man they believed was suicidal.

“As a result of this tragedy, Michigan has lost an outstanding, dedicated law enforcement officer,” said Snyder. “Officer O’Rourke laid down his life serving and protecting the community he loved, and his great sacrifice will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with his entire family during this time.”

O’Rourke, a 12-year veteran of law enforcement, is survived by his wife, Amy; four children, Eileen, Mary, Andrea and Stephen; his parents, Daniel and Arlene O’Rourke; and his brothers, Richard (Susie) O’Rourke, Daniel (Laura) O’Rourke and Scott (Anna) O’Rourke.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. today and Thursday at the Elton Black and Son Funeral Home in Highland. The funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. John Evangelist Catholic Church in Fenton.

This flag order is in accordance with Executive Order 2006-10, VI. A. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the U.S. flag should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff or half-mast position. The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.