By: Mary Beth Almond | Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle | Published May 21, 2024
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Every day, law enforcement officers enter harm’s way to protect the people and communities they serve.
In 2023, 136 federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement officers died in the line of duty, according to data from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Of those fallen officers, 47 were shot and killed, making firearms-related fatalities the leading primary cause of death for officers.
Bloomfield Township Police Chief James Gallagher said 2024 has already marked “a violent year” for law enforcement thus far.
“There’s been 58 officers killed in the line of duty as of today (May 13),” he said. “What’s scary is that nearly half of them happened in April of this year, and 11 of those have been by gunfire.”
National Police Week, held this year May 12-18, recognizes the men and women who were killed in the line of duty. The annual observance dates back to 1962, when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation.
“May 12-18 is known as National Police Week, where we honor the sacrifice, courage and service of all law enforcement officers, especially those who gave their life trying to protect our communities,” Gallagher explained.
On May 13, the Bloomfield Township Police Department commemorated the passing of one of its own — Officer Gary Cooper Davis — in a 20th anniversary memorial service.
Gallagher shared details of the tragic morning on May 13, 2004, when Davis was killed by a drunk driver.
“Officer Gary Davis — known to ‘Coop,’ to all of us — was tragically killed in an automobile accident just after arresting a drunk driver. On his way back to the police station, just there at Coolidge and I-75, he went to do that turn-around in the median, where he was struck by a drunk driver in excess speeds, not even giving him a chance. Unfortunately, we had some officers there on the scene to witness that, and I know that this day is in memory for them forever. Officer Davis was transporting a prisoner at that time, and (the prisoner) was seriously injured as well.”
Davis, who was 36 years old, was a 12-year veteran of the township Police Department. He is survived by his wife Nicole, who was a Waterford Township police officer at the time of the accident.
“Gary was taken from us by a drunk driver way too soon. We remember Officer Davis not only for his bravery and his dedication, but for his personality, practical jokes and humor,” Gallagher said during the ceremony.
Remarks concluded with a memorial wreath being placed at the Officer Gary Davis Memorial Bench by the Honor Guard, followed by the unveiling of a new shadow box to honor Davis that will be displayed in the roll call room.
“Our promise is to never forget Officer Gary Davis and the courageous police officers who have given their lives to uphold justice and uphold our values,” Gallagher said. “As we remember and pay our respects to Gary, let us not only remember his service, but also his memory to inspire us to continue to lead and serve our communities, modeling our core values here at Bloomfield Township of integrity, respect, fairness, accountability and pride.”
Bloomfield Township Supervisor Dani Walsh said her brother-in-law introduced her to Gary Davis at the age of 18.
“It was a pleasure to know Gary. We played softball together, and he was at a lot of our friend and family picnics. He was a wonderful man,” Walsh recalled. “His memory will live on forever in our hearts.”
This year, the names of 282 officers who died in 2023 were engraved on the National Law Enforcement Memorial wall in Washington, D.C., including two from Michigan — St. Clair County 72nd District Court Officer Robert J. Silver and Detroit Police Lt. Frederick Charles Bowens Jr.
“This year, there will be 282 names added to the memorial wall, adding to the 24,000 heroes that are already on that wall,” Gallagher said.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she pays tribute to the brave officers who made the “ultimate sacrifice in service” to the state.
“These men and women have tough jobs and step up every day to protect their communities, risking their own safety to protect public safety. Let’s learn from their example of public service and honor their memory,” she said in a statement.