ERIC ZAPATA MEMORIAL HIGHWAY S.B. 108:
ANALYSIS AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 108 (as reported without amendment) (as enrolled)
Sponsor: Senator Tonya Schuitmaker
RATIONALE
Officer Eric Zapata was a Public Safety Officer with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS), where he served for 10 years. According to news media accounts, Officer Zapata was killed in an on-duty incident on April 18, 2011. Evidently, a 911 call reported shots fired in Kalamazoo's downtown area. Another officer responded and, upon finding a hostile gunman, exchanged shots. Officer Zapata soon arrived and joined attempts to subdue the shooter. While pursuing the shooter, Officer Zapata was shot twice and killed. He was the first KDPS officer killed in the line of duty.
In recognition of his service and sacrifice, it has been suggested that a highway in Kalamazoo County be named after Officer Zapata.
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate the portion of highway I-94, located within Kalamazoo County, as the "Officer Eric Zapata Memorial Highway".
ARGUMENTS
(Please note: The arguments contained in this analysis originate from sources outside the Senate Fiscal Agency. The Senate Fiscal Agency neither supports nor opposes legislation.)
Supporting Argument
Officer Eric Zapata acted selflessly to preserve the peace and safety of the community. At the time of his death, Officer Zapata was 35 years old and father to three children. A devoted father, son, brother, and uncle, he was a valuable member of society and provided hope to those in the community. Since his death, many people in the community have reached out to his family in support of memorializing his career and ultimate sacrifice. On April 16, 2012, city officials announced plans to place a bronze bust of Officer Zapata in downtown Kalamazoo. Naming a portion of highway I-94 in his honor also would express gratitude to his family, honor his sacrifice, and remind future generations of his service.
Legislative Analyst: Glenn Steffens
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.