CHESTERFIELD TWP., Mich. – Family and friends of fallen officer Patrick Wisniewski will pay their respects to him on Friday with visitation at Selfridge Air Force Base from 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. A funeral procession will take place at noon and will travel from New Baltimore to the Selfridge Air Force Base chapel.
33-year-old Wisniewski from New Baltimore was killed Sunday night when his motorcycle slammed into a car at the intersection of 21 Mile Road and Jefferson around 9:30 p.m.
He was driving his motorcycle north bound on Jefferson at the 21 Mile Road intersection, when 64 year Gerald Lee Belcher of Chesterfield Township made a left hand turn in the intersection, in front of Wisniewski on his motorcycle.
Belcher was arrested at his home on Wednesday. He is charged with operating a vehicle with a suspended license causing death and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
Wisniewski worked as a member of the 127th security force at Selfridge Air Force Base and had just left work when the crash happened. Police say he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and it is unknown at this time whether alcohol or drugs will be a factor in the accident.
He was also a reserve officer with the New Baltimore Police Department, and "just a few months away from being able to achieve the ream of becoming a full-time, full-fledged officer," said Chief Tim Wiley.
"Staff Sgt. Wisniewski's loss is a terrible tragedy. He was a dedicated Airman and family man who loved being involved in law enforcement, both in the military and in his community. He was greatly respected across the squadron and by everyone who knew him. The 127th Security Forces Squadron gratefully acknowledges the support and assistance of the deputies of the Macomb County Sheriff's Office and the Airmen of the 110th Security Forces Squadron in Battle Creek, who are providing security assistance to us at Selfridge to allow our SFS Airmen to pay respects to Patrick and his family," said Wiley.
How to donate to Wisniewski's family:
An account has been established through Michigan's THIN BLUE LINE at PNC Bank for donations to assist the family of Officer Wisniewski at this most difficult time.
Donations can be dropped off at any PNC Bank location.
Drop off at any PNC Bank Donation
ATTN: TBL/FBO Wisniewski Family
New Baltimore Police Department
ATTN: TBL/FBO Wisniewski Family
37885 Green St.
New Baltimore, MI 48047
Thin Blue Line
ATTN: TBL/FBO Wisniewski Family
P.O. Box 415
Howell, MI 48844