Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Zapata, his family, friends, and the entire Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. Thank you for your service Officer Zapata. We've got the watch from here.

Sergeant
Fredericksburg Police Department(VA)

April 20, 2011

R.I.P. my brother, your work here is done. May God bless and keep your family, friends and brothers and sisters in law enforcement. It is with great sadness that I read of this senseless killing and pray that our God will help us to better guard our heroes; whether Police, Fire or EMS.

Ret. Sgt. Thomas A. Schalkofski, T.C.P.D

April 20, 2011

God bless and comfort your loved ones and fellow officers as they grieve your loss. Thank you for your service.

Sgt Phil Cook
Toledo Police Dept.

April 20, 2011

R.I.P. Officer Eric Zapata. May God watch over your family in this difficult time and in the future. You will be missed by many and thank you so much for your years of service. I used to live in the Washington Square area and always appreciated the presence of the police there. God bless you and your family.

Brenda Berner
Citizen

April 20, 2011

I would just like to say that it is not easy for a police officers family...never knowing what is going to happen to them while they are on shift. I would just like to point out that I drive an old police car, and I kind of have a sense of the police officers that have drove the car in the past. I have a sticker on the window for police officers. They are never alone. I can also point out that from what I heard on tv, he loved doing his job. Rest In Peace Eric Zapata...God Speed

Nate Toppen

April 20, 2011

I am so sorry for the loss of PSO Zapata. His true sacrifice is an example of the brave men and women that protect this nation everyday. PSO Zapata is a true HERO to the people of Kalamazoo, and my prayers go to this family, friends, and fellow officers.

LPL Terry Myers
Sears, Cumberland, Md

April 20, 2011

May god be with your family and department during this difficult time.

Anonymous

April 20, 2011

Our hearts ache. But God's goodness and mercy never fail. We are weak, but He is strong!

Job 29:11-17

Officer P. Burnham
Kalamazoo Twp PD

April 20, 2011

Dear Brother in Arms, it's a sad day for sure in our world of guiding and helping people. So many thoughts of officers go through our minds at times like these. Remember this great officer and his family. My prayers and thoughts go out to Officer Eric Zapata and his family. I pray for his family of blue and those in his community, that they will remain strong and never forget the contributions made by the Eric who gave the ultimate sacrifice for is fellow man.

Marty Munger, Sgt
Marquette Police Dept., K-9 Unit

April 20, 2011

RIP Brother

Frm PO Matt Morton
TCPD

April 20, 2011

Our prayers are with Officer Zapata's personal and professional families. Since both our daughter and son-in-law are law enforcement officers, we are aware of the many sacrifices made to keep citizens safe. He has made the ultimate sacrifice in his efforts to do so. God bless and keep you at this time and always.

Anonymous

April 20, 2011

Eric, I think back to the academy. You were one of the first to get a job. I still remember you walking into the cafeteria, and pulling that badge out of your pocket and showing us all. I remember looking at that badge, and seeing the pride in your face, knowing that you did it, you were now a police officer. There were many times over the last 10 years when I would look at my own badge and still remember that moment. From this day forward, I will still feel pride when I look at my badge, and I will still think of that day. But from now on, that badge will be a little heavier. Rest in peace, brother. We will take it from here.

Sgt. Jon Paasch
Walker Police Department

April 20, 2011

My thoughts are with you, your family and police family.

Brother of Jeremy Chambers
EOW 04-24-2006

Chris Chambers
Saint Louis Co Police Dept

April 20, 2011

Eric,

Eric had a few nicknames, "Z", and "EZ" are a couple. I always called him EZ (easy) because that's what he was, easy going. EZ ALWAYS greeted you with a big smile and loved to joke and laugh. He was funny and could always lift your spirits.

EZ was also a GREAT COP. We worked many nights together on the night shift and you could always depend on him. This was evidenced by what happened Monday night. He was coming to the aid of one of his fellow officers. I cried as I wrote my report because I couldn't believe I had to put your name in that kind of report.

Each night when I put my son to bed we always say this to finish our prayers: "God bless all the policemen, firemen, and soldiers who keep us safe. And Dear Jesus, if you should call one of them home tonight, give them eternal peace. Grant their family the strength and courage to carry on. Amen" Monday night my wife put our son to bed and thankfully he said his prayers all the way through. Little did we know, our prayers Monday night would be for my friend EZ.

Please pray for EZ's three children and the rest of his family. We as adults will make it through this, we have to. But, his children...I have no idea what pain they must have. Please Lord, give them "the strength and courage to carry on."

The world lost a great father, son, brother, friend and polcie officer Monday night.

EZ, your friends will never forget you!!!

Det. Mike Treu
Kalamazoo Dept. of Public Safety

April 20, 2011

Sorry about the lost of a great officer.

Adrian Murphy
n/a

April 20, 2011

RIP Officer Zapata. Thoughts and prayers to the family and Kalamazoo Public Safety.

Detective
Grandville Police Dept/KANET

April 20, 2011

Our thoughts and Prayers are with Officer Zapata's family, and Co-workers. May all be comforted and find peace.
May his memory and faithful service be remembered by all.

Police Commissioner
Earle Arkansas

April 20, 2011

How do I put into words my respect for the job you did? You were a wonderful person with a huge heart. Law enforcement is a family; when one department looses a member, we all do. I worked the night you got your wings. I wish I could have done more. Your job here is done....good work B22.

Dispatcher Debbie Spencer
Kalamazoo Township Police

April 20, 2011

Thank you for yor service and my prayers are with family and love ones.

Deputy Latour ( retired)
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

April 20, 2011

God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain; but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way.


Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of US Marshal

April 20, 2011

On behalf of the 6,124 members of the American Association of State Troopers (AAST), we extend our sincere condolences to Officer Zapata’s family as well as the members of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. AAST members throughout the United States know first hand what all of you are going through right now. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Ken Howes, Executive Director
American Association of State Troopers

April 20, 2011

Rest in peace my brave brother.

Lt. Ohio Sheriff's Office

April 20, 2011

My heart goes out to Officer Zapata's family. God bless you Officer Zapata for caring for our community and watching out for all of us. We need to pay officers more and respect the difficult job they do. RIP! Please everyone lay down your guns,find love for all of us and be kind to everyone.Spread peace and love. Forget violence.

Bobbie Melson
citizen

April 20, 2011

Rest in Peace Brother

Brother In Blue
Columbus Division of Police - Columbus , OH

April 20, 2011

God Bless You and Rest In Peace Officer Zapata. Thank You, Terry Granato

Terry Granato
Border Agents Mom

April 20, 2011