Two well-respected court officers who died in Monday's Berrien County courthouse shooting has more than six decades of combined service to their community, with one marking down the days to retirement on a calendar.
Joseph Zangaro, 61, and Ronald Kienzle, 63, were killed Monday, July 11, when an inmate disarmed an officer and opened fire in the Berrien County courthouse.
Zangaro was a seasoned veteran of the Michigan State Police, ending his career as lieutenant overseeing the post in Bridgman, south of Benton Harbor. He provided a calming voice when riots broke out in Benton Harbor in June, 2003 after a police chase ended in a crash that killed a young black motorcyclist.
Zangaro retired from the state police within months of the riots and in May, 2004 signed on as head of courthouse security for Berrien County.
Kienzle, known for his easy-going manner and wit, joined the courthouse security staff in April, 2005 after retiring as a sergeant with the Benton Township Police Department. The former U.S. Army veteran was recognized in 2002 as officer of the year by the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph Exchange Club.
He was counting down the days until his retirement, neighbors said.
Both spent years of service in the law enforcement community, said Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey during a news conference Monday evening.
"Our hearts are torn apart," Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey said.
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Berrien County Sheriff's Deputy James Atterberry Jr., was identified as the officer shot in the arm during the escape attempt. Atterberry, 41, is recovering at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph.
Taylor Popielarz with WZZM 13's ABC affiliate WBND reports Kenya Ellis of Benton Harbor also was wounded by the shooter.
Zangaro continued to serve the community in various ways after his retirement from the state police. He was keynote speaker at a May, 2006 National Police Officer’s Memorial Day event in Benton Harbor.
Zangaro in the early 1980s worked with Trooper Robert Mihalik, who died in the line of duty when gunned down during a traffic stop in Sept. 1984. Prior to Monday's shooting, Mihalik was the sixth officer serving Berrrien County to die in the line of duty.
