Police Department Loses One Of Its Finest

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

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.

As Chief of Police of the Bloomfield Township Police Department, it is my sincere honor to present the following medals:

Our order states:

This medal along with the officer’s uniform badge shall be awarded posthumously to an officer who lost his life in the active performance of his duty under honorable circumstances.

Our order states:

This medal shall be presented to the next of kin of those members who lose their lives while on duty.

These awards have been placed within a display with the badges Gary wore as a Patrol Officer and School Liaison Officer, as well as other mementos that reflect his career accomplishments with the department.

Accordingly, on behalf of the Bloomfield Township Police Department and Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees, it is with our deepest respect and gratitude that I present that display in remembrance and appreciation of Officer Gary Davis’ exemplary service to our department and our community.

Jeffrey D. Werner
Chief of Police