Officer Patrick Sirois laid to rest
Posted: Dec 01, 2010 5:33 PM PST
Friends and family said their final goodbyes on Wednesday to a local police officer killed while helping a stranded driver.More than a thousand people attended funeral services for Fort Hood Police Officer and Nolanville Reserve Police Officer Patrick Sirois.
He died last week in Oklahoma when he was hit by an on-coming car.
Police officers, firefighters, soldiers, and Patriot Guard Riders all came together to pay their respects to Sirois.
As they walked into the service in the Killeen Civic Center, an exact replica of the Liberty Bell tolled continuously.
Patrick Sirois, Junior, said,"Honestly, it's been beautiful. Everything they could do for the guy, they're doing it. Again, what we've seen all week, this just epitomizes."
Those joining the family came from as across Texas, as far away as Bastrop and Young County.
Patriot Guard Rider Ron Decker said, "This guy was just tremendous. He was helping everybody and he became friends with everybody he knew."
The service included speakers from Fort Hood Police, Nolanville Police, and Sirois's family.
Then, a funeral procession stretching as long as three miles, brought Sirois to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.
The 22 year army veteran was laid to rest with full military honors.
Patrick said, "It was serving his country, serving his community, and that's what meant the most to him. So to bring those two things together the way that they have has been really touching, really poignant."
A man who touched so many lives by just being himself, bringing so many people together for a final goodbye.
Decker said, "This is all of his friends and family coming to pay their respects. It's just great."
And the lasting impression of Patrick Sirois, Senior, will live on.
His son said, "Me and him were extremely close. We have no unfinished business. I know that he loved me, he knew that I loved him. I knew that he was proud of me, he knew that I was proud of him, and I couldn't ask for anything more." ( Source: KYTX here plus video)
Officer Pat Sirois gave his life, as he lived that life: serving others. From someone who knew him:
I have not known him very long. He was one of my husband's workout buddies at the gym. I also met him through my job working with towing companies. I worked many accident scenes with him. I can say that he is the most selfless person I have ever met. Pat was a true friend to all his friends and has touched so many lives. He will be missed always and never forgotten!
From a police officer site, the official notification:
Officer Patrick Sirois was struck and killed by a vehicle on U.S. 69 in McIntosh County, Oklahoma, while assisting at the scene of another accident.
Officer Sirois was traveling to Wagoner, Oklahoma, with his fiance for the Thanksgiving holiday when he witnessed the accident. He stopped his vehicle, put on a reflective vest, displayed his badge and firearm, and began to assist one of the drivers. As he spoke to the man on the shoulder he saw another car that about to collide with the vehicle. He pushed the driver out of harm’s way just as the vehicle was struck, pinning him between it and the guardrail.
He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver who struck him was cited for a traffic violation.
Officer Sirois served as a civilian police officer with the Fort Hood Police Department and as a reserve officer with the Nolanville, Texas, Police Department. He had been recognized as Nolanville’s Officer of the Year in 2009. He is survived by his fiancee. (More here)
Patrick Sirois was a 22 year veteran with the US military, prior to becoming a Police Officer:
Patrick joined the United States Army in 1979. While serving he
received the Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious
Service Medal (2nd Award), the Army Commendation Medal
(5th Award), the Army Achievement Medal (6th Award),
the Army Superior Unit Award, the Army Good Conduct
Medal (7th Award), the National Defense Service Medal,
the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Southwest
Asia Service Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer's Professional Development
Ribbon with Numeral 4, the Army Service Ribbon, the
Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award), the Nato Medal,
the Kuwait Liberation Medal(K), the Kuwait Liberation
Medal (SA), Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification
Badge with Rifle Bar, the Drive and Mechanic Badge with
Mechanic Bar and the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge.
Command Sergeant Major Patrick Roger Sirois retired
from the United States Army on May 31, 2002.
(Much more here)
On that fateful night, Officer Sirois saved the life of another, as he pushed him out of harm's way of the incoming vehicle which would take his own life:
“He (Sirois) was in his own private car,” [ patrol Lt.] Brown said. “And he was just stopping to do the right thing. The last thing he did was push someone out of the way.”...
[...]
“He was being selfless like he always has been,” said Christopher Bahnemann, a Fort Hood police officer....
[...]
Nolanville Police Chief Lester Holsey Jr. said Sirois was “always one to help in any situation.”...
(Source)
This video was made by TracieK79, and in the comments there:
lordmoan
i want to say i Know pat as a firend and a co worker. As for a Hero Pat was much much more. He was a angel here on earth. Brother You set the Bar high and i hope one day I can make you Proud. I cant replace you But I will do my Best to share your way of living. god bless you and you will be missed
And...
psychosis76
Officer Pat Sirois by another who knew and loved him:
centex350z
Hero...it's a word that is thrown out at time to describe people. Pat is a hero. He wasn't just a hero on that highway in Oklahoma, but a hero everyday. He touched the life of everyone he came in contact with. He touched my life and I will truly miss him! God Bless You Pat!
Hero. Officer Pat Sirois was - and will ALWAYS be - a HERO!
Rest in peace, Sir.
I worked with Pat since he has been here at Hood, he was like a brother and I will always remember him as just that, my Brother. Farewell Brother till I see you on the other side.........