San Francisco Police Department, California
End of Watch Thursday, January 1, 1970
Add to My HeroesEric A. Zelms
Officer Eric Zelms was shot and killed while investigating a burglary at 132 Jones Street in San Francisco while on foot patrol at approximately 2:00 a.m.
He was surprised by two burglars, who attacked him and were able to gain control of his .357 caliber service revolver. The men then shot him with it and attempted to flee.
The subject then encountered two other officers and exchanged shots. One of the men was wounded. Both were apprehended, convicted of the murder, and subsequently sentenced to eight to 10 years.
Officer Zelms had served with the San Francisco Police Department for less than one year. He was survived by his wife and one child.
Bio
- Age 22
- Tour 11 months
- Badge 1348
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Both sentenced 8 - 10 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 38 ReflectionsEric was a good fellow. He was a sharp guy. He was a great young Police Officer. Eric was my partner that tragic night...a night I have never forgotten.
I miss him and pray that his wife and family are well. It's difficult for me at my age to attend and see the loss of our men in blue...simply due to the stupidity, political ignorance, profit taking from corruption in our Beautiful America...let up not cave in to Criminal Socialistic self-serving Communistic process infiltrating America since the late 50's..
Having lost three partners during my 16 years in the SFPD, I have also lost count of our heroes throughout our Country in their quest for honesty justice and a great America and their ultimate sacrifice made for the protection of all people of all color and all Americans.
We pray for a return to the days when America is Great Again.
THINK and Vote America.
Richard Bodisco, retired SFPD
Retired - Disabled in the line of duty.
March 30, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Kyle Hicks
Corpus Christi Police Department, TX
EOW: April 24, 2024
Investigator John Hampton Coddou, III
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 23, 2024
Police Officer Jordan Wingate
Oakland Police Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Police Officer Luis M. Huesca
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Tobin Bolter
Ada County Sheriff's Office, ID
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Alfredo "Freddy" Flores
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Investigator Brian Herbert
Osage Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: April 17, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fred Fislar
Hendricks County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: April 16, 2024
Police Officer Michael E. Jensen
Syracuse Police Department, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024