The
Bloomfield Township Police Department is deeply saddened to
report the death of Officer Gary Davis. Officer Davis was 36
years old and a decorated 12-year veteran. Officer Davis
joined the Department on April 9, 1992 and served in many
capacities including an assignment as School Liaison Officer.
At approximately 3:00 AM, Thursday, May 13, 2004, Officer
Davis had just completed a drunk driving arrest on I-75 south
of Square Lake Road and placed the driver in the back seat of
his patrol vehicle. As he was turning around on the freeway, a
south-bound vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed struck
the drivers side of his patrol car. The collision resulted in
Officer Davis’s death and the serious injury to the arrested
person and the driver of the other car involved. An
investigation of this incident is being conducted by the Troy
Police Department.
The death of Officer Davis is devastating not only to his
family and friends, but to the entire police community and the
citizens Officer Davis served.
Tribute
Remarks delivered by Jeffrey Werner
(Bloomfield Township Chief of Police) at the funeral of Police
Officer Gary "Cooper" Davis on Monday, May 17, 2004:
Last week was "Police Week," a week dedicated to
honoring police officers who gave their life in the
performance of their duty. At the start of that week, we had
no idea that we would be giving up one of our own.
We had no idea that by the end of that week, Officer
Gary Davis’ name would be included on that list of those who
made the ultimate sacrifice.
Officer Davis was 36 years old and married to his wife
Nicole for nine years. He was devoted to his wife, his hobby
of building muscle cars, his boxer dogs and his job. He
started with this police department just over 12 years ago.
"Coop", as he was called, was an energetic and
enthusiastic young man who loved police work. And, he was good
at it. While assigned to the Patrol Division, he was active in
training where he became an instructor in many areas including
firearms, defensive tactics and rapid deployment
Later, Officer Davis was appointed to the position of
School Liaison Officer and assigned to Lahser High School.
There, he gained the respect and admiration of students and
staff. He was very proud to see the Freshman Class he started
with go all the way through to graduation. After serving four
years as a School Liaison Officer, "Coop" asked to be
reassigned to Road Patrol duties.
He loved working the road. As described by his
co-workers, Gary acted as a role model and was always
available to other officers. He was known as a true
professional and one who could be counted on to do the right
thing.
Gary had a rather serious hobby - building and working
with muscle cars.
The other day, I received an e-mail from man in Arizona
who knew Gary and said there were hundreds of tributes to Gary
from his friends all over the country on the muscle cars’
association website. The shear number of friends who chose to
communicate their condolences was testament to the impact that
Gary made on others.
Officer Gary Davis was a credit to the department and a
good friend who will be missed. He was a member of our family
who was taken from all of us all too soon.
His passing has left us all with a helpless feeling and
a hole in our hearts. When we think of him, we will be
reminded that our department is better off because he was
here. Even though he will be with us only in spirit, he will
never be forgotten.
And to Officer Davis’s wife, Nicole, you and your family
will always remain an important part of our police family. We
will always be here for you.
Police Awards
As Chief of Police of the Bloomfield Township Police
Department, it is my sincere honor to present the following
medals:
