On Dec. 4, Dave Slazinski, an Oxford resident and deputy with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, presented a $5,000 check to Amy O’Rourke, wife of the late Patrick O’Rourke, the 39-year-old West Bloomfield police officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty back in September.
Tragically, O’Rourke, who lived in Fenton and was a 12-year veteran of the force, left behind a wife, three daughters and infant son.
Slazinski helped earn the money while riding in the annual Tour de Force charity bicycle ride from Boston to New York City.
This was his second year participating in the event.
‘This year was particularly emotional (in light of O’Rourke’s death),? Slazinski said.
The ride memorializes all those who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington D.C. It consists primarily of firefighters and law enforcement officers.
This year’s Tour de Force raised more than $400,000, according to Slazinski.
Each rider who participates must raise at least $1,250. All the money from the riders, plus corporate donations and support, is pooled in a fund for distribution.
Families from across the country are selected to receive a check based on factors such as how an officer died and if small children were left behind. For example, an officer killed in a gun fight who has young children would be given high priority.