KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — It's a name that represents the ultimate sacrifice in West Michigan: Eric Zapata.
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officer was shot and killed in the Edison neighborhood in April of 2011.
This year — and every year since Zapata's death — the “EZ5K” memorial run has been held as a tribute to him. On Saturday, hundreds gathered in the Kalamazoo Valley Community College parking lot to take part in the race.
"I'm most amazed that the people still remember him. As a hero, and for the work he's done," Zapata's mother, Connie Bernal-Zapata, said. "Seeing all the people every year — they increase — they come more and more, it's amazing."