A procession makes its way into St. John's Cemetery as pallbearers carry the body of West Bloomfield Township Police Officer Patrick O'Rourke outside St. John's Catholic Church in Fenton, Mich., Friday, Sept. 14, 2012. / ANDRE J. JACKSON/Detroit Free Press
WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. (Detroit Free Press) - West Bloomfield Police Officer Patrick O'Rourke was laid to rest this afternoon after a funeral filled to overflow with those coming to honor the man who lost his life trying to protect others.
O'Rourke was buried this afternoon at St. John Cemetery across from St. John Catholic Church, where the funeral was held.
At the grave site, following a three-volley salute, the last call for O'Rourke's badge number echoed over a speaker, bringing those nearby to tears.
Hundreds of police officers from across the state and parts of Canada came to pay their final respects to the 39-year-old. The 12-year department veteran was fatally shot when he and other officers went to assist Ricky Coley, who they believed to be suicidal Sunday night.
Police said Coley, 50, shot through his bedroom door, striking O'Rourke of Fenton and setting off a 20-hour standoff with police.
So many people were in attendance today that the church set up an overflow tent outside.
The service featured speakers including O'Rourke's wife, Amy. She repeatedly thanked those in attendance for their support as she spoke, holding her youngest child, 9-month-old Stephen, on her hip. She and O'Rourke have four children, Stephen and daughters Eileen, 10; Mary, 8, and Andrea, 5.
O'Rourke was the officer you wanted in those "uh, oh, moments," said West Bloomfield Police Chief Michael Patton.
"He radiated strength and confidence," Patton said.