Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I worked for Kalamazoo Public Safety temporarily in dispatch when I left to go to Police accademy. I worked for 15 years as a Police Officer for South Haven City. I was so very saddened to hear of Eric Zapata's death. I think as a officer it is something we never really think about. I am so very sorry for Eric's family. Te bendiga Eric. May the lord bless your family. May they know where you are and how much you are loved.

Ricki Butler
retired/ South Haven P.D.

April 26, 2011

Officer Zapata, As I watch the Tribute to you, A FALLEN OFFICER on Television. I can't help but, feel very sad, happy and proud of you, your family, your KPSO family and all the Brothers and Sisters from the Fraternity of Law Enforcement Officers around the State of Michigan, surrounding area States and from around the World.It is truly a very special group. You all have much Dignity, Grace, Peace, Pride and most of all Courage to go out and serve and protect the communities you have sworn to protect regarding the increasing danger to your lives. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.I pray for each of you that God keep you safe. May your fondest memories of any fellow fallen LOE'S bring you peace in your time of dis pare. To the Zapata family, Thank you for allowing all of us strangers to be apart of Eric"s Funeral Service today. It is an honor to pay Tribute to your son, brother, father, fiancée, uncle, cousin and friend. A funeral is such a private event and very hard on one another in a regular normal life but, for such a public figure many many people mourn with you and Eric's extended families. Peace and God Bless you all.

AMS
Grand Rapids, MI

April 26, 2011

My deepest sympathy to the Zapata family and to PSO Zapata's other family...those who served with him. We have all kept you, and will continue to keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn his loss. Rest in peace, my brother.

Sheila Gardineer FF-EMT
Casnovia Twp. Fire Department

April 26, 2011

To the family, friends and co-workers of PSO Eric Zapata, my heart goes out to you. I was just watching the funeral and waves of emotion washed over me to see all the officers who turned out. I remember my experience 7 years ago. The support is of tremendous help on the path toward healing. Eric, you will never be forgotten. Thank You all for your sacrifice.

Denise Garn
sister of Terry Loftus EOW 5/28/04

April 26, 2011

May God Bless your family PSO Zapata, and we all thank you for your unselfish service.

Anonymous

April 26, 2011

RIP Brother. We got it from here.

Sergeant Kevin Callahan
Springfield Department of Public Safety

April 26, 2011

You will always be remembered by the brotherhood of law enforcement men and women. You gave the ultimate sacrifice by having your life taken. Peace be with you Eric.

anonymous

April 26, 2011

Today we would like to Honor Fallen Kalamazoo Public Safety Officer "Eric Zapata" whom grew up in Lake Odessa, and gave his life while on duty doing his job. The funeral services are being televised as we post this. From the crew at THIRSTY NEEDLE we send our humble condolences to the family and loved ones.

THIRSTY NEEDLE TATTOOS
local business

April 26, 2011

You took the oath to serve and protect the citizens of the state of Michigan and the city of Kalamazoo. Many times officers are disrespected, hated, and unappreciated by the public. The brotherhood you joined when you put on the uniform will never falter and will always be there with and for you. Officers will carry on with upholding the law and service the public knowing you and others who have proceeded you have given the ultimate sacrifice.

anonymous

April 26, 2011

I am so sorry for the loss of Eric Zapata. I did not know him but can tell he was a great officer and person. As a psychology student I intend to become a grief counselor along with helping children who have such emotional issues it leads them to a life of crime. I want to prevent this type of life style. I do know a great deal about grief due to the loss of my totally disabled son, grief can literally destroy a person. Children undergo grief also. At some times grief can be more difficult for a child to understand all their emotions they will go through during the stages of grief, they need so much more care to help them understand what they are going through. Please make sure his children get what they need and are not left to deal with the loss of their dad by themselves.

Lee Driskel
Psychology student

April 26, 2011

Peace be with you and THANK YOU for your service and dedication.

Lisa Danowski, Grand Rapids

April 26, 2011

Thank you for your dedicated service and for giving the ultlmate sacrifice for you community. My thoughts and prayers will remain with you and your family. May God Bless You Officer Zapata.

Reserve Deputy
Van Buren County Sheriff Dept.

April 26, 2011

Officer Zapata protected and served in my hometown and worked directly with a fellow officer who is a good friend of mine. I want to thank Officer Zapata for his service and offer his family my deepest condolences.

Anonymous

April 26, 2011

Rest in Peace Brother we will NEVER forget.

Officer Chris Vinson
Sylacauga PD 507

April 26, 2011

My prayers are with the family and community. I am so sorry for the loss all are suffering.

Diana Buuck

April 26, 2011

Rest in peace Warrior.

Sergeant
Ionia County Sheriff Dept

April 25, 2011

Officer Zapata vowed to serve and protect and he gave his life in service to a city I care about. My humble gratitude is not enough. For all law enforcement officers who call into service each day, thank you. Thoughts and prayers for his family, friends, and the KDPS officers who carry on.

Anonymous

April 25, 2011

RIP Officer Zapata, we appreciate all you have done to protect and serve. May God be with the family, friends, and fellow officers during this terrible loss.

Anonymous

April 25, 2011

Heros will never be forgotten

Cpl Cole Britton
Lincoln County CO Sheriff's Office

April 25, 2011

RIP PSO ZAPATA. THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND COWORKERS.

HPPD HONOR GUARD
HAZEL PARK PD

April 25, 2011

may you be remembered for who you are and the lives you touched. god rest for you are not forgotten.

inspector 436
us customs detroit

April 25, 2011

You saved lives and your actions will never be forgotten. RIP warrior

PSO Rieser
KDPS

April 24, 2011

I never realized that one man could have a positive reflection then you have on peoples lives, intell i hear the people of your community tell the great things you have did for them and there family. I know that K.D.P.S has lost a good man,Father and a great Police Officer. Never Forgotten for your service in the hearts of all Officers.Thank You

Reserve Officer Burrows #674
S.H.P.D

April 24, 2011

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Every time I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the officer they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Officer Zapata. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. (The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. I can also be found on Face Book.) You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Eric, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Eric's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Eric's life was about so much more than the way he died. Eric will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Officer Zapata, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been eight years and he's still very much missed and forever loved.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

April 24, 2011

Rest in Peace my brother.

Lt. Stephen C. Sarle Retired
KDPS

April 24, 2011