Officer Sean O’Rourke is being highlighted as this week’s Officer of the Week. Officer O’Rourke has been employed by the Andalusia Police Department since October 2012. O’Rourke works as patrol officer on “A” shift. In addition to his work as a patrol officer, he also serves a department Field Training Officer (FTO).

Officer O’Rourke and his family make their home in Andalusia. He enjoys playing his guitar when he’s not spending his off-duty time swimming and fishing. O’Rourke says that he doesn’t have a favorite shift to work and that he enjoys both day and night shifts. He’s looking forward to this weekend’s kickoff for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He said he favorite meal would have to be steak and potatoes.

Officer O’Rourke chose this career at a young age. He said he knew he had a “desire to help people” and that he “wanted a career that could to bring a positive change into someone’s life”.

He offered the following advice anyone wanting a career in law enforcement, “It takes a special person to be a police officer. You have to be a jack of all trades, have thick skin, and remain level headed. As a police officer most of the contact you have with the public is because something in their life has gone wrong, it is your job to try and fix that problem, whether it be a flat tire, or a fight with a spouse, a positive attitude can go a long way in helping any situation.”

O’Rourke said that his goals in his law enforcement career are to become a K-9 Handler and narcotics investigator.

‘As a young, rookie patrol officer, O’Rourke showed potential to be one of the APD’s top officers,” Chief Paul Hudsonsaid. “He has shown me through his growth from rookie to field training officer he has what it takes as far as leadership and ability to do the job.

“Officer O’Rourke wants to learn, train, and become a better officer. Every department benefits from officers like him,” Hudson said. “He takes every given opportunity to improve and wants success not for just himself but APD. We’re proud to have Sean and his family a part of APD and look forward to many, many years to come.”