On a fateful Friday, the Phoenix Police Department, and indeed the entire Phoenix community, faced a profound loss. Officer Zane Coolidge, a dedicated and courageous officer, succumbed to injuries sustained during a pursuit of a burglary suspect earlier that week. His passing marked the end of a valiant three-day battle for life, surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues who held vigil by his side. This event has not only left a void within the ranks of law enforcement but has also sparked an outpouring of grief, reflection, and a renewed call for community solidarity. Anthony Rizzo’s Wrigley Field Return Gives Cubs Fans Reason to Cheer as Playoff Hopes Fade
A Hero's Last Stand
Officer Zane Coolidge, a five-year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department assigned to the Mountain View Precinct, was known for his dedication, passion, and commitment to service. He was more than just an officer; he was a husband, father, son, brother, and a friend to many. His final act of service came on a Tuesday evening when he and his partner, Officer Matthew Haney, responded to reports of a car break-in in the area of 16th and Brill streets around 6:30 p.m.
The officers were informed that the suspect, later identified as 41-year-old Saul Bal, was still in the vicinity. As they approached, Bal fled the scene, prompting a pursuit. In a tragic turn of events, Bal opened fire on the officers, hitting both Haney and Coolidge. Officer Haney, protected by his ballistic vest, was spared from serious injury and has since been recovering at home. However, Officer Coolidge was not as fortunate. The injuries he sustained were severe, and despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he could not overcome the damage inflicted by the gunfire.
Phoenix Police interim Chief Michael Sullivan described the circumstances surrounding Coolidge's death as the result of "cowardly acts," emphasizing that the officer's legacy would forever remain a part of the department. In a statement released Friday afternoon, Sullivan requested privacy for Coolidge's family, recognizing the unimaginable grief they now endure. “We will do everything we can to help them through their darkest hours, and we pledge that they will always be a part of the Phoenix Police Family,” he wrote.
The Procession: A Community in Mourning
The community’s response to Officer Coolidge's death was immediate and heartfelt. A police procession for the fallen officer commenced from Banner University at approximately 7:25 p.m. on Friday, accompanied by a convoy of police vehicles. Officers were strategically stationed at intersections along the route from the hospital to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office on Washington Street and Eighth Avenue, paying their respects to their fallen comrade.
The somber procession reached its destination at 7:40 p.m., with a police helicopter hovering overhead and a massive American flag waving from a fire ladder above Eighth Avenue. Dozens of uniformed officers, K-9 units, and community members gathered to salute and honor Coolidge's service and sacrifice.
Among those present was 22-year-old Anthony Dewitt, a Phoenix resident who stood at the corner of Eighth Avenue and Washington Street holding a thin blue line flag. Dewitt’s presence was a testament to his deep respect for law enforcement, a sentiment forged during his three and a half years as a high school cadet with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. "This is a loss to the entire community and every citizen these officers protect," Dewitt said. "I think it’s really important to be out here to support our officers."
A Community United in Grief
The loss of Officer Coolidge resonated deeply throughout Phoenix, not only among his colleagues but also among everyday citizens who appreciated his dedication and service. Many felt compelled to pay tribute in their own ways. Barbra Heller, a local resident, stood outside the main gate of the Phoenix Police Department's Mountain View Precinct in north Phoenix, where Coolidge had been assigned. Holding three handmade signs expressing her support for law enforcement, Heller explained, "I’ve always felt the need to make sure when they’re pulling out that if it is their final hour, this is the last sign they see." Her signs read, “You are my heroes.”
Heller's connection to the Phoenix police was personal and profound. She often made it a point to express her gratitude to officers, waving and giving thumbs-up to them as they entered or exited the precinct. On the night of the procession, several officers stopped to thank her for her support, a gesture that underscored the bond between law enforcement and the community they serve.
The Human Cost of Law Enforcement
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, upon hearing the news of Coolidge’s death, shared a heartfelt message of condolence, recognizing the deep impact of the tragedy on the community. “I am devastated by the tragic loss of Officer Zane Coolidge, who lost his life while keeping the rest of us safe from harm,” Gallego wrote. “I know that our entire community is mourning this loss, and on behalf of the City, I extend my deepest condolences to Officer Coolidge’s family and friends, and his brothers and sisters in the Phoenix Police Department. We will forever honor and remember his bravery and selfless service to our community.”
Gallego’s words resonated with many who were reminded of the daily risks that law enforcement officers face. She emphasized that police officers represent "the best of us," noting the immense risks they take daily to protect their communities. Her remarks were a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that serving in uniform can demand.
The Events Leading to the Tragedy
The details of the incident that led to Officer Coolidge's death paint a picture of a routine call that escalated into a life-and-death situation. Responding to reports of a car break-in, Coolidge and Haney arrived at the scene only to find themselves under fire. The suspect, Saul Bal, fled after opening fire, and a three-hour search ensued, resulting in the closure of several city blocks and a meticulous search of the area.
The suspect’s capture brought some relief, but it did little to mitigate the tragedy that had already unfolded. Bal was arrested on suspicion of shooting the officers, and a full investigation was launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.
Officer Matthew Haney: A Survivor's Story
While Officer Coolidge’s death was the most tragic outcome of the incident, his partner, Officer Matthew Haney, was also caught in the line of fire. Haney, a two-year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department, was spared from serious injury thanks to his ballistic vest. After being treated at the hospital, he was released and is currently recovering at home. Haney and his family have requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time, grappling with the trauma of losing a close colleague and friend.
Remembering Officer Zane Coolidge
As the community reflects on the life and service of Officer Zane Coolidge, stories and memories have begun to surface, painting a portrait of a man who was deeply committed to his role as a police officer. Colleagues describe Coolidge as a person of integrity, courage, and compassion. He was known for his dedication to duty, his willingness to help others, and his ability to remain calm and composed even in the most challenging situations.
Coolidge’s service record reflects a career marked by professionalism and a commitment to public safety. During his five years with the Phoenix Police Department, he worked tirelessly to build relationships with community members, often going above and beyond the call of duty. His dedication to his work was evident in every interaction, from routine patrols to moments of crisis.
A Community's Call for Justice
The death of Officer Coolidge has also reignited discussions about the safety of law enforcement officers and the risks they face daily. Many community members, including Dewitt and Heller, have expressed frustration over what they see as a growing trend of hostility toward police officers. They argue that events like the shooting of Officer Coolidge are symptoms of a broader societal issue, where law enforcement is often viewed with suspicion and hostility rather than gratitude and respect.
Mayor Gallego and Chief Sullivan have vowed to seek justice for Officer Coolidge and to ensure that his sacrifice is not forgotten. They have promised to continue supporting the men and women of the Phoenix Police Department, providing them with the resources and protection they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.
Moving Forward: A Legacy of Service
In the wake of this tragedy, the Phoenix Police Department and the community it serves are left to grapple with profound questions about the nature of public safety and the cost of service. As they mourn the loss of Officer Coolidge, there is also a sense of determination to honor his legacy by continuing the work he believed in so deeply.
Plans are already underway to memorialize Coolidge in a way that reflects his contributions to the department and the city of Phoenix. A public memorial service is expected to draw law enforcement officers from across the country, reflecting the deep respect and admiration that Coolidge commanded among his peers.
For those who knew and loved Officer Coolidge, his death is a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers every day. It is also a call to action for the community to come together, support one another, and stand with those who dedicate their lives to keeping others safe.
Officer Zane Coolidge’s death is a profound loss, not just for his family and colleagues, but for the entire Phoenix community. His legacy, however, is one of courage, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to service. As the community mourns, it also remembers the values that Coolidge stood for and the example he set as a public servant. In honoring his memory, Phoenix reaffirms its commitment to supporting its police officers, ensuring that their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.
