Decorated Airman, New Baltimore Officer Killed in Crash Joined City Force With Smiles (Video)

When New Baltimore reinstated its police reserve unit two years ago, it proudly welcomed Patrick Wisniewski to the force. 

Wisniewski, who was killed in a Sunday night crash in Chesterfield Township, was also a United States Air Force Active Guard Reserve 127th Security Forces Squadron veteran at the Selfridge ANG Base. He was a married father of five.

In a May 2011 Patch video from inside New Baltimore City Hall, Wisniewski is seen being sworn in by reserve unit leader Sgt. Tom Cuthbertson.

When Cuthberson noted Wisniewski extensive accomplishments and "absolutely stellar record," the military staff sergeant joked, "Oh, go on" among laughter.

In addition to deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, he also had a certificate of special Congressional recognition signed and delivered by Congresswoman Candice Miller. 

Charges filed against driver

Wisniewski was driving his motorcycle Sunday night from his regular shift at Selfridge when Gerald Belcher crashed his Chevy Impala into the bike at the Jefferson and 21 Mile intersection in Chesterfield Township. Wisniewski was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, police said.

Belcher, 64 of Chesterfield Township, was charged Wednesday with one count of driving with a suspended license causing death and one count of operating while intoxicated. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment, police said. 

Memorial planned, donation account set up

Memorial services are scheduled this week in New Baltimore and at the base in Harrison Township. Visitation is 2- 8 p.m., with a 7 p.m. Rosary, Friday, June 7 at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, DFAC, Dining Facility, Building #164. Instate  is 9:30 a.m. until a 10 a.m. Liturgy, Saturday, June 8 at St. Mary Queen of Creation Church, 50931 Maria, New Baltimore, according to Gendernalik Funeral Home in New Baltimore.

Donations may be made to Michigan's Thin Blue Line at any PNC Bank branch or at the New Baltimore Police Department or sent to Thin Blue Line at P.O. Box 415, Howell, MI 48844. They should be marked; ATTN: TBL/FBO Wisniewski Family.