DETROIT – In September, her world was torn apart when her husband, a West Bloomfield police officer, was shot and killed in the line of duty.
Now, Amy O'Rourke says she has forgiven the men who killed him.
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The wife of Patrick O'Rourke spoke Sunday at a church in Howell.
"I know the power of forgiveness ... It's very freeing," she said. "Being able to forgive has helped us through it. It's helped us not be bitter and have ugly feelings."
The mother of four says she's still on leave from work and hasn't decided if she'll go back.
She also said she's tossing around the idea of writing a book.
Patrick O'Rouke was killed Sept. 9 responding to a 911 call at the home of Ricky Coley.
Police said Coley fired upon officers when they entered the home. The 39-year-old O'Rourke died from a single gunshot to the head.
Coley and police were engaged in a 20-hour standoff that ended with Coley dead amid a weapons-strewn bedroom.
Fund established for O'Rourke family
Anyone interested in donating to the family can do so at any Bank of America to the "Officer Patrick O'Rourke Family Trust." Or, the community can make donations at www.westbloomfieldhero.com.