Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

EZ,

You're thought of everyday! I was just thinking about working nights with you. We worked with a great group of people and had a lot of fun. When it was time to be serious, it was always good to see you roll up on a call. Keep watch over all of us!

Executive Lieutenant Michael Treu
Kalamazoo Dept of Public Safety

December 7, 2022

EZ,

You've been gone eleven years and not a day goes by that you're not thought of. I'm sure you're aware of the addition to our law enforcement family! Keep watch over your son. You'd be so proud of him!

Gone, but NEVER forgotten!!

Executive Lieutenant Michael Treu
Kalamazoo Dept of Public Safety

April 18, 2022

Officer Zapata,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Kalamazoo. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 18, 2021

Miss you buddy! I will never forget when I would come into Station 7 and you would be eating your dinner and I'd ask you what you're eating. You would offer me up anything you had. Or the times before and after briefing where we'd sit out on the gazebo and have coffee or pop and a smoke. You truly are a hero. Not a day goes by where I don't think of you.

Sgt. Don McLennan
KDPS

March 26, 2021

A hero never dies! You still live amongst us! Miss you buddy...

C VanderKlok
Kdps

January 12, 2021

EZ was the guy who always brought you out of a blue mood putting a smile on your face and a laugh in your mouth. Few people have such a unique ability. Your missed and not forgotten my friend.

Officer Walt Wawra
Royse City, TX.

April 27, 2020

Rest easy PSO Zapata.

PSO Petar Radenovic
KDPS

April 19, 2020

Rest easy PSO Zapata.

PSO Petar Radenovic
KDPS

April 18, 2020

EZ! Nine years ago today! It's so hard to believe this much time has passed. You are thought of often and will never be forgotten. Your memory lives on in your family and all of us who knew you and served with you!

Mike Treu
KDPS

April 18, 2020

Man, we are coming up on 9 years now, which is crazy! Miss ya pal!!

C VanderKlok
Friend

April 6, 2020

We still talk and think about you everyday. You have a great group of friends and a department watching over your family.

PSO Rieser
KDPS

December 6, 2019

Still miss you to this day! And now your son will soon be wearing the same uniform, he looks so much like you that you have to do a double take! RIP my friend..

C VanderKlok
Friend

December 2, 2019

My wife and I visited Kalamazoo and made a stop to the tribute of Officer Zapata at the outside mall. He sounds like he was a Great Man and Officer. We pray for his family and his brothers and sisters at KDPS to continue healing.

Lt. Matt Merlo
Eastpointe Police Department

November 13, 2019

Rest in peace Public Safety Officer Zapata.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 16, 2019

It's been 8 years today, we all still miss you!

C VanderKlok
Friend

April 18, 2019

A true friend and hero.... losing weight and showing up eating Wendy’s. Miss you brother...

C VanderKlok
Friend

February 1, 2019

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

September 20, 2018

EZ,
You are remembered everyday!! It's still hard to believe even after the years that have passed. I'm sitting, thinking about work and you popped into my mind.

ALWAYS REMEMBERED! God bless you and your family!!

Lt. Mike Treu
KDPS

May 27, 2018

We miss you and your smile; you will always be remembered by your friends, family and blue brothers and sisters. RIP friend.

C VanderKlok
KDPS

April 25, 2018

When I was an intern for GRPD during artprize I met an artist who created an amazing portrait of you. We spoke for a long time as he shared stories about your life. You will never be forgotten. Rest EZ we have the watch from here.

Patrolman Jared Williams
Benton Township Police Department

April 22, 2018

Eric:
Seven years have passed since that fateful shift and yet my memories of your dedication to your chosen profession and compassion for your fellow man live on.

Rest EZ, your colleagues have your back.

Captain Jon Uribe (Retired)
Kalamazoo Public Safety

April 18, 2018

Thank you for your service and may your family find strength and peace.

Mom/President of WTC Tammy Avent
Mother of BPA Jose (Joey) Barraza EOW: 4-18-16

April 18, 2018

Today is August 8,2016 I went to Church today and ask for healing pray for me, ask for family peace in the family. and prayed for my hubby and the business and for a home.And i said a pray for you that you are God gift and helping to fight evil in this world.Update..Alexis is now a graduate, going to have second baby, and enroll in GRCC, Anthony is graduate, working, trying to deal with his mom, and is a team player the Kalamazoo explorer program going to attend GRCC too.Jacob is busy still in school, giving April a run for her money and soon to be 12 year old. I tried to keep our promise, Irene and I been connected at the hips to your children. Amen.Some of your KPS Officer have not left Jacob side and Anthony. We just need someone to reach out to Alexis.Take Care loving mom

Connie Bernal Mother
mother

August 8, 2016

EZ,

It's hard to believe that five years have gone by. And, it's still hard to believe that this happened to you. You are thought about every day, EZ.

NEVER forgotten, ALWAYS REMEMBERED!

Sgt. Mike Treu
Kalamazoo Dept. of Public Safety

April 27, 2016