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Chief Craig speaks on fallen officer at new cadet graduation

Posted at 5:26 PM, Nov 22, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-22 17:26:08-05

DETROIT (WXYZ) — Before a new class of Detroit police officers took their oath on Friday, Chief James Craig asked for a moment of silence for fallen Officer Rasheen McClain.

"As you know, several days ago we lost one of our heroes," he said of the 46-year-old from the 12th precinct.

Chief Craig also asked for a moment of silence for another officer, who died of natural causes following a recent surgery.

McClain, a 16-year-veteran of the Detroit Police Department, was shot and killed Wednesday when he and his partner, Officer Phillippe Batoum-Bisse, were responding to a scene on the city's west side.

Officer Batoum-Bisse, shot in the ankle, is expected to recover.

Chief Craig reminded the new officers of the serious job they're signing up for.

“They did what we expect Detroit police officers to do, not run away from danger, but run to danger," Chief Craig said of Officers Batoum-Bisse and McClain.

The Rasheen McClain Memorial Fundraiser raised more than $5,700 in just two days.

McClain leaves behind and a wife and two stepchildren. No word yet on funeral services.