Vigil held for Officer Patrick O'Rourke

(WXYZ) - More than 1,000 people gathered at a vigil held on Tuesday night to honor the first police officer killed in the line of duty in West Bloomfield.

The vigil for Officer Patrick O'Rourke was held at 7:45 p.m. in front of the West Bloomfield Township Police Department. Family and friends gathered, prayed and lit candles. The officer's wife, children and parents also attended the tribute ceremony. 

A trust fund has been set up in the fallen officer's honor. You can make a contribution at any Bank of America branch under the "Officer Patrick O'Rourke Family Trust."

“Those wishing to make contributions to the trust fund may do so this evening at the vigil,” said West Bloomfield Township Clerk Catherine Shaughnessy. “While words and money can’t begin to show our appreciation for the sacrifice made by Officer O’Rourke, we want to do whatever we can to help his young family,” Shaughnessy said.

Officer Patrick O'Rourke was killed by barricaded gunman, Ricky Coley, on Sunday night in his West Bloomfield home. Many people who live near the home where the standoff happened were evacuated. Some of the residents who live adjacent to the home were still being kept away late Monday night.

"It sounded like fireworks-- boom, boom, boom-- we didn't know what was happening," said one young mom whose family ended up at the Township Hall for the day.

"My husband and I went outside and the SWAT team told us to get back in the house and stay away from doors and windows," she said.

The visitation for Officer Patrick O'Rourke will be at the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home on 3295 East Highland Road in Highland on Wednesday and Thursday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Officer O’Rourke’s funeral mass will be on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the St. John Evangelist Catholic Church at 600 N. Adelaide in Fenton.