Not ‘Cops vs. Us’: In Dallas to honor fallen officer, Metro sergeant saw unity

Metro Police Sgt. Jeff Clark, special to the Sun

Sunday, July 17, 2016 | 1:32 p.m.

This weekend, I had the honor to go to Dallas to pay my respects to Officer Patrick Zamarripa. I have attended far too many police funerals in Southern Nevada, but this was my first time going to another jurisdiction to honor a fallen brother. I did not know what to expect during my 36-hour journey, but what I experienced changed me forever.

When I got to McCarran International Airport, I was greeted by Officer Gerard Bello, who gave me the placard needed to park in the police parking lot. I’ve known Officer Bello for many years. He could have just given me the placard, exchanged some small talk and been on his way. He didn’t. He personally escorted me to the ticket counter, then through security. He was making sure I was good. In our profession we watch each other’s backs, and this was no different. It was also a prelude to what I would experience over the course of the next day.

When I landed in Dallas, I could feel something hanging over the city. I’ve spent a lot of time in Dallas over the years, but this time if felt different. Dallas is a vibrant city full of good and colorful people. I’ve always felt a welcome and a positive energy. At the airport, I came across many different people — people of different colors, creeds, and backgrounds. Every one of them was welcoming and thanked me for my service. I’ve been thanked for my service numerous times, but this felt different. It was coming from a community that was trying to erase the nightmare and heal together.

As I left the airport and made my journey to Dallas police headquarters, I was immediately struck by the flags being at half-staff. Texas is a proud and patriotic state. You can hardly drive a block without seeing the red, white and blue of the American and Texan flags. But flags in Texas are huge. We all know that everything is bigger in Texas, and to see the huge flags at half-staff is sobering.

When I got near headquarters, I noticed a Dallas Police Deparment patrol car driving the same route. I pulled up next to him at a light and told the officer, Daniel, who I was and where I was going. I could tell he was exhausted and distracted. I didn’t realize he was coming from a funeral for one of the five officers murdered … and an officer he was very close to. I asked him how he was doing and his response was, “I was good until today.” He told me to follow him and he would escort me to where I needed to go.

We drove up Lamar Street, I could see the crowd gathered at the memorial in front of headquarters. It was an emotional thing to see. I started to wonder if I was emotionally prepared to handle this.

Daniel and I parked and talked for a bit. Out of my suitcase, I pulled a stack of cards written by children as well as members of Metro Police. I also had a piece of artwork created by Officer Daryl McDonald of Enterprise Area Command as a gift from Metro to DPD. Daniel escorted me into headquarters, where I presented the cards and gift to the desk sergeant as well as the many officers inside. It was apparent they were all hurting, but even through their pain, they welcomed me with arms wide open and true Texas hospitality.

Hundreds of people from all walks of life were at the memorial, laying flowers, reflecting in silence, speaking to each other. Parents were kneeling down to be on their kids’ levels, trying to make sense of these uncertain times for them.

I cried with officers at the memorial. We had a sense of our own mortality. After we cried and hugged, we started making each other laugh. I felt like I was with old friends, even though I’d never met them before.

I met two volunteers from the American Red Cross, Melissa and Maren, who were handing out waters and ice cream to help provide some relief from the muggy and sweltering heat. Just two people trying to make a difference in their community. I had to pose for a selfie with them.

To hear the national dialogue, you’d think this was a racial thing. Or a “Cops vs. Us” thing. I’m here to tell you, it’s not. This is a result of man’s inhumanity to man. But even through that, I saw a community coming together so the light could overcome the darkness — a community that was embracing the words of Dallas Police Chief David Brown’s call to action for everyone to step up and make a difference.

The day of the service was eerie for me. As I donned my class A dress uniform, I took extra care to make sure everything was just right. I wanted to honor “Z” and his family by being “squared away.” I walked through the lobby of my hotel and was stopped by many people who wanted to shake my hand and offer words of encouragement. These words were all accompanied by tears.

I met Officer Jim Milligan from Metro’s Honor Guard at the service, along with Officer Zak Miles of the Grand Prairie (Texas) Police Department. I leaned on Officer Milligan to show me the ropes and proper procedure through the service.

There were thousands in attendance, including officers from all over the United States and from other countries. It was truly a sight to behold. As I listened to the words of comfort provided by the clergy and Chief Brown, I couldn’t help but think that Z was what the best in all of us is. Someone who I wish I knew in life. Someone that all of us would have been privileged to know.

During the service I could not take my eyes off of Officer Zamarripa’s family. I saw his son wearing a sailor hat to honor Z’s service in the Navy. He was obviously distraught and leaned on his mom throughout. I also watched his young daughter playing. She is too young to truly understand what is going on. It looked like she was playing with family members as 2-year-olds will do. But I have to believe she was actually playing with her father, who was there comforting them and protecting them.

We joined the procession in Officer Miles’ black and white patrol vehicle to make the 23-mile journey to Z’s final resting place, Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. The entire route was lined with people, all 23 miles — along the side of the road, on the overpasses, everywhere. There were people from all walks of life, shouting thank you and saluting. Almost all of them were signing “I love you.” It was moving, to say the least.

In a time where it seems that what little innocence we have is taken from us daily, I implore all of you to continue to see the good. There is beauty all around. I just ask that you take part in it, and leave this world a better place.

To the Dallas Police Department, the city of Dallas and the state of Texas I say thank you for allowing me into your lives. To my family, my family in tan and blue, and my community, I love you all.

As I write this, we are receiving news of officers being murdered in Baton Rouge, La. This is all very hard to fathom. I feel communities on edge and officers saying, “Here we go again.” How do we make sense of it all?

I could tell by the turnout, Officer Zamarripa made a difference. I had to ask myself, what difference have I made in my life? When I come to my final day, can I look back and know that I made a difference? Can you?

Sgt. Jeff Clark is a member of Metro’s Office of Communications staff.