WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. – Patrick O'Rourke spent 12 years with the West Bloomfield Police Department.
The 39-year-old man behind the badge was a father of four, a husband and a man who held tightly to his Catholic faith. His life came to a sudden end Sunday night when a gunman opened fire at a home on Forest Edge Lane.
"We're still in shock. We're still numb. It's surreal," said Arlene O'Rourke, Patrick's mother.
Read more: What led to West Bloomfield officer's death
Officer O'Rourke lived in Fenton. He graduated from Hartland High School in 1991. He met his wife, Amy, back then in Hartland. The two eventually wed and had three girls and a baby boy.
"Pat was a loving man. He was extremely responsible. A very loving husband, and we're just so proud of the father he was to his children," his mother said.
Watch: Uncut: Interview with slain police officer's mother
Outside West Bloomfield police headquarters, people have been showing support for the grieving. Perfect strangers have been overwhelmed with emotion.
"For this to happen to a family man, and to a family like this, it hit the whole community," said Joel Levi, of West Bloomfield. "He has children, a wife. They need help. I think the community can step forward and help."
Levi dropped off a check at the department.
On Tuesday, hundreds will gather there to remember O'Rourke, now a fallen hero.
"And the best way to do that is to pray together, and that's what we'll do tomorrow night," said Rev. Chris Richards, of the West Bloomfield Clergy association.
A vigil will be held 7:45 p.m. Tuesday in front of the West Bloomfield Township Police Department on Walnut Lake Road.
"The Police Department is establishing a fund to help the family of Officer O'Rourke," said Township Clerk Catherine Shaughnessy.
Many have joined a memorial Facebook page set up for the officer.
Read more: Slain officer was father of four
-- West Bloomfield Police Officer Patrick O'Rourke