LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville Metro Police detective known for working with abused children before she died from stomach cancer had a new wing named after her at the Family & Children's Place Child Advocacy Center.
The "Detective Michele Rusch Investigation Wing" was publicly dedicated Wednesday at the center located at 1000 S. 5th St.
Rusch served with the LMPD's Crimes Against Children Unit — which is now the Office of Sexual & Physical Investigations — for more than 10 years. During that time, she worked out of the FCP Child Advocacy Center, where "she was a deeply respected, trusted, and loved colleague and friend to many, and she served child victims and families with an unparalleled level of devotion."
Rusch was recognized by the Children's Advocacy Centers of Kentucky as a "Legendary Partner of 2025." That honor was presented by Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman.
Local leaders praised Rusch for her fierce dedication to protecting young abuse victims, including her colleagues and Family and Children's Place CEO Elea Fox.
"For Detective Michelle Rusch, this was more than a job," Fox said. "This was her mission and it was her calling. She fought every day to ensure that no child felt forgotten, unseen, or unloved."
"In her final days, Michelle said she had two wishes, that she be remembered for all the good work she had done with the LMPD and that her family would be taken care of," according to a post on social media by the Louisville Metro Police Foundation. "We are asking for your help to make her wishes come true, to honor her legacy and support the family she loved so much."
CLICK HERE to make donations to support Rusch's family and to further honor her legacy.
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