BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Ron Kienzle had a zest for life, even in his 60s. That’s what people who knew him best said.
“He was very personable and friendly as a court security officer,” said Sergeant Ronald Bush with the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office. “Along with Joe they will both be greatly missed.”
Ron Kienzle and Joe Zangaro, both bailiffs at the Berrien County Courthouse, were tragically killed July 11. Police said inmate Larry Gordon wrestled away guard James Atterberry’s gun and began firing shots in the courthouse.
“Its been very somber,” said Sgt. Bush. “What’s going on in the country, it kind of brings to life here the fragile life of officers.”
Atterberry was injured in the shooting and has since been released from the hospital. Kienzle, a US Army veteran, worked for the Benton Township Police Department for two decades, before retiring as a sergeant and later becoming a bailiff. Hundreds of officers from around Michigan and the Midwest gathered to honor his life at Crystal Springs Cemetery in Benton Harbor.
“We’re all wearing a thin blue line banner across our badges and that’s a sign of respect for our fallen officers,” said Sheriff Richard Fuller with Kalamazoo County. “That’s how we make sure that people understand that we recognize how dangerous this work can be. But we do it out of a labor of love.”
Kienzle, like Joe Zangaro who was was laid to rest Friday, was honored with a gun salute and kinds words from family and friends.
“Just talking with Sheriff Bailey he made it very clear, both these gentleman [were] hardworking, fine citizens themselves,” said Sheriff Fuller. “A lot of mentorship in both of these people, a lot of caring for their community.”
Sheriff Fuller said it was important to him and other law enforcement officials from miles around to show their support. Despite the recent shootings in Baton Rouge, he seeing citizens show support toward them and other public safety officers. He asked that people keep it up.
"I'm trying to remind my staff that overall, the community really appreciates them,” said Sheriff Fuller. “That's the same message I take back to our community because the deputies, the police officers, the fireman and the EMS they’re out here taking care of people and we do this because we care for our citizens.”
