Public Safety Officer Eric Emiliano Zapata

Public Safety Officer Eric Emiliano Zapata | Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Michigan Public Safety Officer Eric Emiliano Zapata | Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Michigan
Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Michigan
Public Safety Officer Eric Emiliano Zapata | Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Michigan
Public Safety Officer Eric Emiliano Zapata | Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Michigan
Public Safety Officer Eric Emiliano Zapata

Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Michigan

End of Watch Monday, April 18, 2011

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Eric Emiliano Zapata

Officer Eric Zapata was shot and killed after responding to reports of shots fired call in the 1400 block of Hays Park Avenue.

Another officer had also responded to the call and approached a man standing on a porch. As the officer asked the man if he had heard any shots, the man suddenly pulled out a gun and exchanged shots with the officer.

The subject then ran between two houses, where he confronted Officer Zapata. More shots were exchanged, and Officer Zapata was struck in the head and chest. The man then committed suicide.

Officer Zapata had served with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety for ten years. He is survived by a daughter, two sons, his mother, father, sister, brother, and fiancé.

Bio

  • Age 35
  • Tour 10 years
  • Badge 11611

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Rifle; SKS
  • Offender Committed suicide

shots fired call

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Most Recent Reflection

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Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 12, 2024

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