The purpose of the Eriz Zapata Memorial Foundation is “To honor Eric “EZ” Zapata’s legacy as a Kalamazoo Public Safety Officer, who made the ultimate sacrifice during his course of duty on 04/18/11.”

We are happy to announce the 2012 scholarship recipients.

From The Kalamazoo Valley Community College Police Academy:

Brent Reynhout, 25, Graduated from the associate's program at KVCC in November 2012. He's done ride-alongs with KDPS and KCSD and has worked at UPS for the past 6 years. He's done various volunteer work (Youth camp counselor, Church Mission trips, Kzoo area foot chase).		Michael Cheadle, 23, Graduated from the bachelor's program at WMU in December 2012. He worked as an intern for Public Safety on the racial profiling study and has participated in various volunteer work (Special Olympics, Kzoo area foot chase, Relay for Life, Softball coach).
From The Grand Rapids Community College Police Academy
Joshua Wise is from Holland and recently graduated from the GRCC Police Academy. He has dedicated his life to helping others, including: serving in the Army, being apart of the Zeeland Fire Department, teaching numerous safety courses, participating in the Court Appointed Special Advocate Program, and working for the Ottawa County Friend of the Court. Joshua has demonstrated strong character and selflessness throughout his life and has a bright future ahead of him.