DETROIT – A new class of Detroit police officers graduated Friday as the department mourned the loss of Officer Rasheen McClain.
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The graduation took place at the Second Ebenezer Church on Dequindre Street on Detroit’s east side. Graduation ceremonies are typically a happy time for the new officers and their families, but the church was filled with a different emotion Friday morning under the cloud of McClain’s death.
Rasheen Welch shares the same first name as the fallen officer. Her son was one of the 18 new police officers sworn-in Friday morning.
“He wanted to be police since he was 4,” Welch said. “He is living his dream. I couldn’t be more happy for him.”
During graduation, Detroit Police Chief James Craig requested a moment of silence for Officer McClain and Officer Phillippe Batoum-Bisse.
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Batoum-Bisse was also shot as the two went into a basement after a gunman. Craig said McClain made a split second decision to go into that basement.
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The new graduates said they’ve been well-trained and are ready.
RELATED: Detroit police officer killed in shooting: What we know
The graduation took place at the Second Ebenezer Church on Dequindre Street on Detroit’s east side. Graduation ceremonies are typically a happy time for the new officers and their families, but the church was filled with a different emotion Friday morning under the cloud of McClain’s death.
McClain and Officer Phillippe Batoum-Bisse were shot Wednesday night when they entered a residence on reports of a home invasion.
RELATED: Chief James Craig describes shooting that left veteran Detroit police officer dead
A 28-year-old man armed with a rifle was in the basement. When the officers started down the stairs, the gunman fired twice. McClain and Batoum-Bissi were both wounded.
Detroit Police Chief James Craig said the gunman was trying “to bait” the officers as they searched the home.
The gunman was shot by other officers and was taken into custody.
Batoum-Bissi is expected to be OK.