Officer Down

Public Safety Officer Eric Zapata
Kalamazoo Michigan Department of Public Safety
End of Watch: Monday, April 18, 2011
Age: 35
Tour of Duty: 10 years

Officer Eric Zapata was shot and killed after responding to reports of a shots fired call on Hays Avenue.

Another officer had also responded to the call and approached a man standing on 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 in 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 10 years.

Rest in Peace Bro…We’ll Continue The Watch

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.