Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Detective William O'Rourke

Columbus Division of Police, Ohio

End of Watch Saturday, November 24, 1917

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Reflections for Detective William O'Rourke

NEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Detective William O'Rourke of the Columbus Division of Police, Ohio, and the additional 68 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorneys General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

November 24, 2024

William is my Great-Grandfather

Patrick Orourke

July 12, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Detective William O'Rourke of the Columbus Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 70 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

November 24, 2022

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorney Generals Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Detective William O'Rourke of the Columbus Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 66 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

November 24, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

November 24, 2017

One hundred years ago today marked your last call. The evil man who shot you is long forgotten, yet you are remembered. Rest in peace.

Stan Jefferson
Citizen of Arizona

November 24, 2017

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Detective William O'Rourke of the Columbus Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 63 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

November 24, 2017

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 94th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya




Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

November 24, 2011

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 26, 2007

DETECTIVE ROURKE, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT.S.C.

November 24, 2007

On behalf of the Fraternal Order of Police, Capital City lodge #9 in Columbus, Ohio we are very sorry for the loss of your life while serving your community and our country! God bless your family!

President Jim Gilbert
Fraternal Order of Police,Capital City Lodge #9, Columbus, Ohio

July 9, 2007

Officer Rourke, I read the details of the incident surrounding your death, and it is unfortunate indeed Sir. Never ceases to amaze me, you, a veteran of 29+ years, and in an instant it's over. I see the murderer got his just reward, amen to that. Detective Rourke, rest easy now my brother, your watch on earth is over.

SGT. John L. Gulledge Retired
Escambia CO FL SO

November 21, 2006

Rest In Peace

We continue the fight for you brother

Detective Scott Alexander
Columbus Division of Police

August 15, 2006

It is the duty of those today to remember those who have served. Every time an officer wears a CPD uniform, your memory is honored. Always remembered, never forgotten.
Truth and Courage.


Columbus Division of Police

January 9, 2005

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