Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Eric Zapata. You are a true Hero in every sense of the word!!

Sgt Robert Hager
Clare County Sheriff Office

April 19, 2011

Rest In Peace Brother. Know you killer did the right thing and took his own life. He will not kill again. My condolences to your Family and the Kalamazoo DPS.

PO Fred Nordt
Lake Success PD, Long Island, NY

April 19, 2011

Very Sorry To Hear Of The Loss Of Officer Zapata. May God Bless You And All Of Your Family.

Reserve Officer T. Dean
Jackson City Police Dept.

April 19, 2011

Rest In Peace

ACRES
SCOTT COUNTY TN

April 19, 2011

God Bless Officer Zapata. All the best to your family and Kalamazoo DPS. Rest in Peace

Officer (Ret)
Grand Rapids Police

April 19, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless the Zapata family and all of the Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers during the loss of our fallen brother.

Anonymous

April 19, 2011

I worked for 5yrs with the Western Mich. University Police in Kalamazoo. KDPS is a great group of Officers. Officer Zapata left this world way too early!! You may be gone, but will never be forgotten. RIP, we have the watch now!!

Officer Bill Clock
Ann Arbor, MI Police Dept

April 19, 2011

Sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers to your department, family and friends. Rest in Peace bro.

Ofc. Shaun Alcodray
CN Railroad Police
Port Huron, Michigan

Ofc. Shaun Alcodray
CN Railroad Police

April 19, 2011

Rest in peace Eric. Thank you for your selfless service and your never ending smile! Our prayers are with you and your family.

Capt. Rick Ives
Kalamazoo Public Safety (Retired)

April 19, 2011

Thank you Eric for protecting us and our community. I did not know you but my heart breaks for you and your family. May you rest in peace and go with God. May God watch over your family for ever. You made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank-you.

Pat Adams
Kalamazoo Citizen

April 19, 2011

Rest in peace Eric. You and your family are in our prayers and thoughts everyday. Thank you for your service and God bless.

Shelby Twp Police Officers Assoication
Shelby Twp

April 19, 2011

Officer Zapata- Thank you for your service. You are a hero and will be forever remembered. May you rest in peace Brother.

Police Officer R. Thompson #007
Saginaw Police Dept.

April 19, 2011

I know of no words that will suffice. No words that are adequate. I would like for the family, friends and co-workers of Public Safety Officer Eric Zapata to know there are folks all across this country that will be lifting you up in prayer before the Almighty in the coming days.
May you each experience the eternal love and endless blessings of our Lord and Savior in the coming days.
I am very sorry for your loss.

Special Ranger Doug Hutchison
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

April 19, 2011

Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice brother. See you on the high ground!

Officer J. Evans
Niles City Police

April 19, 2011

RIP PSO Zapata

What is the meaning of "In The Line Of Duty"
It means that an officer made the Ultimate sacrifice.
It means that someone took an officer's life.
A hero has fallen.

Officers who gave their all
To protect and serve
Have been killed by someone whom they swore
To protect and serve.

It means that their badge will no longer be on their chest
And they will join
"The Best Of The Best"

It means that family and friends are left behind
To deal with the lost of a loved one.
Only having the memories of that loved one
Close to their hearts.
Something no one can ever take away.

It means that family members will stand at the officers grave
And wonder why ...
Why would someone take an officer's life
And leave them there to die?
If we only knew.

Today an officer will place their badge on their chest
To fulfill the dreams of heroes killed
"In The Line Of Duty"

Anonymous

April 19, 2011

My dear friend and brother, You are missed by so many and will live in our hearts forever. When I am on patrol, alone, and in the face of danger I know your angel will be looking over me on my beat. I look forward to the day when we can ground fight again. Last weekend when we were on the mats will be a day I shall never forget. I will always remember how you made me laugh and how when we hired you we joked how you could not speak a lick of Spanish, the day you wrecked your truck at Rose and Kalamazoo, and the funny moment when you stood, foot on your captive suspects back, handcuffed, smoking a cigarette. I think of you Eric and I can only smile. I just wish that you were still among us, but I know you are in a better place and will watch over our brothers and sisters who face fear and danger with a brave warriors heart. See you on the high ground my brother.

Strength and Honor! my dear friend, I look forward to our time in heaven.
Todd Christensen.

PSO Todd Christensen
Kalamazoo Public Safety

April 19, 2011

What a rough night EZ. The guys are a mess but we will all get through this tragedy together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and this most difficult time. you will not be forgotten Brother!

Police Officer Eric Vesey
Portage PD

April 19, 2011

Thank you for your years of dedication and service to your community. Bless your family and may God watch over them. Brother, we now have the watch. Godspeed.

Deputy R. L. Matthews NC
Father of Deputy C. Brian Matthews EOW 9-30-05

April 19, 2011

Thank you Officer Zapata for your fine work and for paying the ultimate sacrifice for the fine folks in Kalamazoo, (GO BLUE) Michigan. My condolences for your family, friends and co-workers. You are a true AMERICAN HERO !!!! May you forever, rest in peace...

Mitch Cheselka
Sergeant, CA/OR Retired

April 19, 2011

To the family of this hero my heart and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. May God be with you and guide you. Rest in peace Officer Zapata, may you continue your watch from above.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02

Anonymous

April 19, 2011

My deepest condolences and prayer go out to family and friends. Thank you for your sacrifice, Rest in peace warrior. God Speed, and may he look after your family.

MPO TG VINCENT
Asheboro Police, NC

April 19, 2011

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

April 19, 2011

RIP brother.

Q132
LEO

April 19, 2011

Thank you for protecting all of us. You can rest in peace knowing that you will not be forgotten. All our love to you and your family.

Deputy Kyle J. Holewinski
Winnebago County S.O. Wisconsin

April 19, 2011

Although I did not know you we shared many things together. We have fought the same boogie men and ate the same smoke. You are the ultimate warrior. You have set an example in you personal and professional life for many to look up to. Your sacrifice for your community will not be forgotten. The prayers of my department go out to you and your family in this time of loss and sorrow. You family can take comfort in knowing that you are now at peace and in the lords loving arms. Know that you job is not done as you are now an angel of gods and I ask that you watch over those of us that are still on the job. Sometimes word seem so hollow, but thank you for your service and sacrifice

Sgt. Gary Valentine
Greenville Department of Public Safety, Michigan

April 19, 2011