We regret to advise you that Kalamazoo Public Safety Officer (Police Officer/Firefighter/EMT) Eric Zapata lost his life last night in the line of duty. Kalamazoo Public Safety is one of the largest combined police/fire departments in the nation. Officer Eric Zapata was shot and killed after responding to reports of a shots fired call. Another officer had also responded to the call and approached a man on a 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 as a Police Officer/Firefighter/EMT for 10 years. As always, our most sincere condolences.
