Runestad honors fallen Detroit police officer during ceremony

State Rep. Jim Runestad today honored fallen Detroit Police Officer Fadi Shukur during a Sept. 11 memorial ceremony in the Capitol.

Runestad, of White Lake, read Shukur’s name as part of the Sept. 11 Memorial Service conducted annually in the House since 2011. The ceremony memorializes first responders and members of the military who have died in the line of duty in the past year. Shukur, a resident of Waterford, died Aug. 15 after being struck by a vehicle while on duty Aug. 4.

“Fadi Shukur was a brave and selfless man who fought for our freedom while serving in the U.S. Navy and then returned home to protect the people of Detroit,” Runestad said. “This is a loss that is felt deeply by his family, friends, colleagues and our entire community.”

Runestad said the House has conducted the memorial service since 2011, which was the 10^th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. The ceremony remembers those dedicated individuals who served as first responders or lost their lives on 9-11 by recognizing servicemen and women in our local communities.

“We should all take time, especially around September 11, to honor the selflessness of first responders and members of the military who dedicate their lives to protecting our community,” Runestad said. “Those who make the ultimate sacrifice must never be forgotten.”

Joining Runestad as his guests were Lt. Mark Venus, Commander of the Lyon Township substation of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, and retired Deputy Dave Scott, who now serves as Commerce Township Supervisor.