Bronze bust to memorialize Eric Zapata

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - A bronze bust of Officer Eric Zapata - killed in the line of duty - will sit on a pedestal on the north end of the walking mall in downtown Kalamazoo, officials said Monday afternoon.

Zapata was shot to death on April 18, 2011 by Danny Statler in the Edison neighborhood. Statler then turned the gun on himself.

In a statement, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Chief Jeffrey Hadley said, "This memorial will ensure we, as a community, never forget the sacrifice PSO Zapata made that day to serve those he promised to protect. He was a fine officer and a good friend to many."

When completed, the bronze bust will be 7 feet tall and will be placed on the north end of the walking mall at Water Street next to the Radisson Plaza Hotel. Artist Brent Harris was commissioned to create and cast the sculpture.

The artwork is funded through donations by the Kellogg Community Federal Credit Union, the Alchemist Foundry, the Edison Neighborhood Association and the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.

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Donations can be made in care of the Edison Neighborhood Association at 816 Washington Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49001, through PayPal on their website, or visit www.kelloggcfcu.org for other options and additional information.

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The EZ Memorial Run in honor of Zapata will be held April 21 at Kalamazoo Valley Commuinty College, according to a Monday release.

Proceeds from the 5K run/walk, which is intended to be annual, will go to a scholarship for law enforcement students at KVCC and Grand Rapids Community College,

Check-in and same-day registration for the event begins at 7 a.m at the Texas Township Campus of KVCC. The run itself will begin at 9 a.m.

Pre-registration and full details are available at the event's website.