Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was in Nam when my Dad was killed in the line of duty May 1st, 1969. I went to Officer Zelms rosary on Church Strett. Like my Dad, your Dad made the ultimate sacrifice. I along with the SFPD and the good citizens of SF will never forget. God Bless
Bob Brodnik, Rey. 1854

Bob Brodnik Inspector
SFPD

May 20, 2024

Eric 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

On the 52nd anniversary of your ultimate sacrifice,
RIP Officer Eric Zelms

James Conlin
Anon

January 1, 2022

Officer Zelms,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of San Francisco. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 1, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Zelms.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 30, 2019

HI, im doing a project on the Zodiac killer and saw that your dad is one off the officers that were working the investigation. My teacher said i need a primary souce so i was wondering if you would like to talk about your dads investiagion on the Zodiac kill.

Alexandra
Student

September 17, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

January 1, 2018

Hi Derrick, sorry took this long on replying but only now noticed your question of: "Alex , is the Don you were talking about Officer Don Walden , star # 529 SFPD ?"

No is the answer sorry. I was referring to Eric's Patrol Colleague He was working with on October 11 of 1969, Officer Donald A. Fouke.

And thank you Ophion, but I won't be going back to that forum. I am usually over on Richards Website because He' given Me a Platform to write articles and upload all FOIA Documents etc. Nice speaking to You again, and take care & hope to see you pop in at. . . .

Alex Lewis
None

August 19, 2016

Alex , is the Don you were talking about Officer Don Walden , star # 529 SFPD ? That happens to be my dad ! It was a shame that for each of the 12 years he was on the force between 9/64 to 9/ 76 , an officer was killed . Mancussi , Mc Elligott , Hamilton , Lacau , Raditich , Young , Beverly , O' Guinn , George , Herring , Brodnick , Lagassa , and Zelms . He knew and worked with them all . My dad retired from law enforcement in 1997 after 32 years .

None Derrick Walden

September 12, 2015

Hey, Alex! I agree with you. It's quite unfortunate. Hope to see you over at ZKS again sometime.

ophion1031
None

June 30, 2015

I often find myself wishing for the sake of Eric Zelms, that on the night of Oct. 11,1969 there was no blunder in Suspect Description as Black instead of White Male.
The reason for this is simple: Had Don and Eric been aware the man they were looking for was A White Guy then maybe, just maybe, when you mention the name of Eric Zelms today, people would have respond with “Officer Eric Zelms…. Yes I know, He was the Rookie SFPD Cop that caught the Infamous Zodiac Killer wasn’t He?” Sadly, this was not meant to be.

Alex Lewis
None

June 18, 2015

Bob Foley,
Thank you for the kind words
I would love to see some pictures of my dad as I
Only have a few. Thank you and Merry CHRISTmas.

Andre Zelms
Son

November 30, 2014

Hello Diana and Andy,
Iam an old friend of Erick.. We used to call him Ricky
Back in the day. My name is Bob Foley I lived on
27th street. I knew him when we were young boys.
Your mom knew all my sisters and brother.
He was support to come to our house after work to an
All night New Year's Eve party... I would to talk to you sometime
I have some pictures of all us boys the night before I
Went into the army. I saw you on TV one night on a specia program
And I started to cry.. He was one of my best friends, and there's not a month goes by I don't think of him

God bless you and your wife and mom.

Bob Foley
Friend

July 7, 2014

Thank you for your service, brother! You will never be forgotten. Killers should have been executed, not be sentenced to 8 and 10 years. I am sure that Zodiac killer has been scared of you when you saw him back in 1969. We all thank you for your heroism and service that you have done for the citizens of San Francisco.

Captain Andrew B.
Police of the Czech Republic

May 1, 2014

I did not know Eric, I am too young to have done so and thousands of miles away in the UK. 8 to 10 years for taking the life of a Patrol Officer is no Justice. The system may have let you down and moved on to it's next Court Case but there are people all around this Earth who know and remember you for being brave enough to do what most of us average Citizens could not. R.I.P Eric.

Alex

August 3, 2013

Dear Officer Zelms #1348
when god called you home he was just a baby, he has grown to a strong loving man. One of the kindest men I've ever met. He's always willing and happy to offer his help to anyone that needs it at any time. He's a dedicated family man, a truly wonderful son, a loving brother, confidant and friend. I imagine he got that from you :) he's a lot like you in many ways, you would be proud! We talk of you often, you are always in our hearts, and will never be forgotten.
Love your soon to be daughter-in-law Kimberly

Kimberly Hovorka

April 10, 2013

My name is Andre' "Andy" Zelms, son of Eric and Diana Zelms. I would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers in behalf of my mom and I. We are both doing well by the grace of God. I do keep my dad very close to me as his badge is tattooed on my shoulder :)
God bless

Andy Zelms
Son

April 10, 2013

I'm not sure why I've been thinking of Eric these days but I have. I was a kid when he died - he was one of my brother's best friends. He was around the house a lot, tall and skinny, quiet and polite, and crazy in love with Diana. I remember Diana as being very, very pretty and kind. My mom was very fond of Eric; we all were. I'll never forget the day he died. I don't think my brother has ever fully recovered from the loss. We're all pretty darn old now. Eric remains young and gentle in our hearts. I hope these years have been good to you, Diana and Andy.
Kathleen O'Keefe,
David's sister

K. O'Keefe
family friend

November 28, 2012

I WAS ONE OF THE OFFIERS WHO CAPTURED THE TWO
SUSPECTS. sHOTS WERE FIRED.
aTTENDIN WERE OFFICERS WILLIAM D.TAYLOR #1084
AND DAVID BAKER (WORKING 2000 TO 0300) The suspects
Were given a warm welcome.
Submitted by Retired officer Taylor Star #1084
Off.Baker (diver) fired a 44-6" magnum out my window.ouch

William D. Taylor/patrolman
San Francisco Police Department

March 21, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Zelms. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 22, 2012

Thinking of Officer Zelms on this day. Never forgotten.

Misty J.

January 2, 2012

Rest now Brave Cicil Soldier and Proud Protector of the Public's Traust and Safety. It is people like you...heroes, that give me the courage to continue on every day of my life. Your passing was over 40 years ago in another time and another world but Heroes are remembered and Legends never die.

God Bless you and your Family.

Shane M. Snyder
Rock Island, IL 61201

Shane M. Snyder - Citizen
We never met

July 26, 2011

8-10 years for murdering a police officer? That's disgraceful.

Offcer Zelms, thank you for your service and dedication.

Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of US Marshal

March 18, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I hope one day to meet your family at a NORCAL COPS function. What a travesty of justice occurred in your case and how disheartened your family must have been by the verdict and sentence.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

January 7, 2010

Eric, I got thinking about you the other day,you died a true hero,when you could have looked the other way,the short sentence given your cowerdly killers, is a disgrace to all police officers,God bless you Eric..RIP

P.E.DUFFY
San Mateo County Deputy Sheriff Ret.

May 29, 2009