Public Safety Officer Eric Zapata – End of Watch: April 18, 2011

Late Monday night, Kalamazoo lost one of its heroes. Public Safety Officer Eric Zapata was shot and killed while investigating a shots fired call in the Edison neighborhood. Upon the arrival of the first officer, he encountered Leonard Statler on his front porch and questioned if he had heard any shots fired in the area. Statler then produced a handgun and began firing. The first officer returned fire, sought cover and called for assistance. Statler then retrieved a long gun and ran down a back alley where moments later he encountered Officer Zapata and took his life and then turned the gun on himself. Officer Zapata is the first Kalamazoo Dept. of Public Safety officer to have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty – protecting the people he swore to serve.

What does one say in the face of such a tragic and senseless loss? What can one person do to adequately express their sorrow? As the son of a law enforcement officer, every time I read about or hear about another line of duty death it hits very close to home. The fact that Officer Zapata is local to me makes matters worse. I can only imagine the torment that his family is going through right now. Though to the best of my knowledge I have never met Officer Zapata I have shed many tears in the last day due to his passing. My prayers go out to his family, his friends, and his department as they mourn the loss of a faithful father, friend, and peace officer.

While Officer Zapata is understandably and rightfully at the forefront in the community’s thoughts and prayers at the moment, we must remember that he is not the only casualty of Leonard Statler’s selfish and senseless act of violence. Innocent children are now without a father, a wife is now without a husband, a mother without a son, and forever there will be an empty space at the table where Officer Zapata’s friends sit. The presently unnamed first responding officer will carry a burden for the rest of his life. There will always be a lingering doubt of whether he did all that he possibly could, whether he did his best, whether he shares some of the blame for Officer Zapata’s death. He will likely suffer from an acute case of survivor’s guilt for many years to come. To that officer, should he ever read this: Do not blame yourself. You did all that you could. The only person to blame for this is Leonard Statler. He alone made the decision to take Officer Zapata’s life. Only he could have prevented what occurred. There are other officers who have been exactly where you are today. If you can’t carry this burden alone, seek these men and women out, seek counsel. There are people who will help you carry this awful burden. I pray that God will grant you peace and that He will comfort you in this time of distress.

I ask that anyone who reads this post will please take the time to pray for Public Safety Officer Eric Zapata’s family, friends, and coworkers. Please pray that God will grant them the strength that they need to make it through this challenging and trying time, that Officer Zapata’s family will have their needs provided for, and that each would be comforted and granted peace in time. I also ask that you pray and continue to pray for our law enforcement officers who daily pull on body armor and strap on a gun and handcuffs. Pray that God will keep them safe throughout their tour of duty; that they would be granted the wisdom, strength, courage, and compassion to do their duties; and lastly, that if their life should ever be required of them, that God would please watch over their children and spouse. They sacrifice so very much for all of us, and our prayers are the very least that we should give to them in return.

Officer Zapata, Kalamazoo will miss you.

Public Safety Officer Eric Zapata