Hillsdale Daily News: Hillsdale veteran Patrick Knight honored by U.S. Rep. Walberg

U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg recently named Patrick Knight of Hillsdale as Michigan's 5th District Veteran of the Month for July, honoring his esteemed service and decades in law enforcement.

Knight served as a search and rescue helicopter crewman in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1970. He was assigned to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron One at Naval Air Station Imperial Beach, California, and later to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Seven, known as the Sea Devils.

According to Walberg, Knight helped rescue downed pilots in Vietnam and the surrounding waters while serving with HC-7. The squadron was credited with rescuing about 150 pilots.

Knight received the Navy Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal. In 1971, his unit received the Presidential Unit Citation.

After leaving the military, Knight served for 32 years (including as chief) at the Riverview Police Department. He remains active in the community as a member of VFW Post 1136 in Wyandotte and serves on the boards of Emergency Telephone Services for Hillsdale County and the Hillsdale Senior Center.

"I am honored to recognize Patrick Knight, whose life of service reflects the very best of our nation, as the Veteran of the Month for July," Walberg wrote in a statement. "Patrick has demonstrated unwavering dedication, courage and sacrifice."