Local and statewide officials are remembering life of a fallen Detroit police officer who died in a tragic shooting last Wednesday, June 6.
Police responded to a 911 call of shots being fired when they engaged a gunman who shot at a DPD officer Loren Courts at 40 years old, with a heavy-powered weapon. The wounded officer’s partner returned fire at the suspect, killing him on scene. The incident unfolded on the city’s westside in the area of Joy Rd. and Marlowe.
Officer Loren Courts was a second-generation officer and served on the Detroit Police Department for a tour of five years, serving and protecting the city of Detroit. He leaves behind a wife of 11 years, two children, and close immediate family.
Arrangements were made for the slain police officer at Greater Grace Temple, where Court’s funeral will be held on Monday, June 18. This Friday, passersby might face street closures around the area in preparation.
Public viewings are set from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and 3-9 p.m. Sunday at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, according to the article.
“A lot of people are mourning. and I’m not sure that there’s a cookie cut phrase that’s going to make it go away. or that’s going to make anybody feel better,” said Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, Greater Grace senior pastor in the article. “I hope that in time, people can get back to a healthy place.”We’re honored to be able to provide the kind of facility where he can receive the honors and the appreciation, that he so deserves.”
Kristine Courts, wife of fallen officer Courts, released a statement last week.
“Yesterday my husband, my children’s father was killed in the line of duty for Detroit police department. I write this not for you to say I’m so sorry but because this man was so much more than a police officer.
He was an amazing dad, my best friend and the man I married. All the news articles talk about is a DPD officer. He was so much more to me and the kids. Our Batman!
I’m broken, I can’t begin to imagine how we are going to live without him. My babies need him. I need him. I keep thinking I’m going to wake up from this nightmare and he’s going to come home.
I’m completely heartbroken me and my babies will never be the same. I already miss his hugs, his voice, his jokes, and his smile with those eyes. Rest In Peace daddy, we will never stop loving you.”
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan expressed his condolences, too.
“The senseless violence ravaging our country has hit far too close to home tonight. We owe a debt of gratitude to our fallen officer, a debt that we can never repay. He gave his life to serve his city and keep his fellow Detroiters safe. Our entire city is holding his family in our hearts tonight and will be with them every step of the way in the difficult days ahead.”
Detroit Police Chief James White described the officer as a “hero.”
“Regardless of what side of the political aisle you’re on on this issue of gun violence, there’s entirely too much gun violence in this city and too much gun violence in this country, and now we have an officer who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” White said.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer also released the following statement following the death of Detroit Police Department Officer Loren Courts.
“Michigan is heartbroken by the loss of Officer Loren Courts. Officer Courts was a dedicated public servant and proud Detroiter. He loved his job and put on his uniform every day to keep his community safe,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Yesterday, he made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Officer Courts was a second-generation Detroit police officer. He followed in his father’s footsteps and was a hero to all those who knew him, especially his wife and kids.
“Our hearts go out to Officer Courts’ family, friends, and fellow officers through this difficult time. We will continue backing up law enforcement not only with our words, but with our actions. Together, we can keep them safe on the job and protect public safety.”
Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the State of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff on Monday, July 18, to honor and remember Detroit Police Officer Loren Courts who was shot and killed in the line of duty.
“Michigan will lower flags Monday to mourn the loss Detroit Police Officer Loren Courts, a dedicated public servant, father, and son,” said Governor Whitmer. “Our hearts go out to Officer Courts’ family, friends, and fellow officers through this difficult time and the entire community that has been impacted by this devastating act of violence. We will continue backing up law enforcement not only with our words, but with our actions. Together we will protect public safety, reduce gun violence, and save lives.”
The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and service of fallen Officer Loren Courts by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.
To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.
Flags should be returned to full staff on Tuesday, July 19.
Read the full story here.
GoFundMe donations can be made here.
Digital Anchor Andre Ash contributed to this report.
About Post Author
