PHOENIX — It was a solemn and somber day Wednesday as the City of Phoenix came together to remember a young police officer whose life was taken away in a senseless tragedy.
Officer Zane Coolidge, 29, was remembered as a kind and empathetic police officer who showed compassion to everyone he interacted with. After five years with the police department, he was shot and killed earlier this month after responding to a car break-in.
His partner, Officer Matthew Haney, was also shot in the line of duty. He survived his injuries.
Coolidge leaves behind a loving family including his wife and 5-month-old daughter, Emma.
Hundreds of law enforcement officials, first responders, city and state leaders and his family members gathered to remember and honor Coolidge's heroism.
As Coolidge's body was escorted by dozens of police motorcycles to the Dream City Church, citizens who never knew him lined the streets to thank him for his service and ultimate sacrifice.
"I'm here to support Officer Coolidge's family and Officer Haney and all of our heroes that put their lives on the line every single day for us," said Susan Lombardi.
Inside the packed church, Coolidge's mother, Debbie Coolidge, and his wife, Kristin Coolidge, stood together and shared memories of the son, brother, husband and father.
"I'm lucky that I saw him on that Tuesday morning," Debbie Coolidge said. "I was able to hug him goodbye when he left for work that day and we exchanged I love yous. He always made sure to do that when we parted."
Kristin Coolidge opened up about meeting Coolidge while she worked as an intake nurse at the 4th Avenue jail. She recalled watching Coolidge show compassion to an inmate having a mental health crisis.
"Immediately I noticed something different about Zane that night. He stood in [the inmate's] ISO cell trying to talk him down, even while [he] had a padded helmet on. Zane stood there to ensure he didn't smack his head against the concrete walls. I gave [him] A B52 injection, which is a chemical sedation cocktail to help with severe agitation. The sedative took effect, and shortly after, [he] slouched down and was no longer agitated or screaming. I remember Zane looking at me and asked, 'Is he okay?' His professionalism, his kindness, his empathy towards each inmate was proof of the value he brought to this world," Kristin Coolidge said.
She also remembered the night before Coolidge was killed when he was helping care for their baby.
"He looked at me. He put his hand on my shoulder, and he said, 'You go to sleep. I am here for you. Emma will be okay. We will get through this.' He held her in his arms all night," Kristin Coolidge said.
Following the church service, Coolidge was honored outside with the presentation of colors, 21-gun salute, riderless horse, and his last call played over the radio.
Phoenix PD leaders said the Coolidge Family will always be a part of the Phoenix PD family and the 5-month-old girl will forever know that her dad died a hero.
"I promised the family that that child will know what kind of officer that her father was and what kind of man he was," said Phoenix PD Chief Michael Sullivan.
Sullivan said Phoenix officers have been met with gunfire twelve times so far this year.
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