The family of fallen Dallas police officer Patrick Zamarripa wants to extend a giant “Thank you” to the people of Dallas-Fort Worth.
“Words can’t even explain what I feel, but I’m very grateful and humbled by all the love and support that I received,” said Valerie Zamarripa who, beyond her emotional struggles, has a lot to sort through.
Zamarripa’s Fort Worth home is overflowing with packages and items given to her by complete strangers who, like Valerie, are mourning the events of July 7.
Lone gunman Micah Xavier Johnson ambushed law enforcement near the Downtown Dallas campus of El Centro College during the latter stages of a planned protest against recent, deadly officer-involved shooting across the country.
Officer Patrick Zamarripa, 32, was among five police officers who were killed. Dallas police officers also killed in the tragedy were 48-year-old Lorne Ahrens, 40-year-old Michael Krol and 56-year-old Michael Smith. Dallas Area Rapid Transit officer Brent Thompson, 43, was also killed.
Zamarripa's Mother
Of the items given to Valerie Zamarripa, a few stand out: Personalized letters from U.S. Senator John Cornyn and other dignitaries, a hand-knitted prayer quilt and a framed sketch of Zamarripa in uniform.
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“This was drawn by a cousin of mine’s friend. A total stranger,” Zamarripa said, clutching the photo close to her chest. “It’s him, with his mess hair. That’s the way he looked when he’d wake up.”
“I’m very proud of this picture. It’s truly amazing the outpouring and love that we’ve been getting,” Zamarripa said, her gaze fixed on the sketch of her son.
Valerie Zamarripa and her daughter, Laura, Patrick’s sister, spoke with steady voices and fought back tears during what they declared would be the family’s final interview on Patrick’s murder.
“Now [our focus] it’s getting back to reality and accepting what has happened,” Valerie Zamarripa said. “And trying to deal with it on a day-to-day basis, which is now hard.”
“My father always said, ‘One day at a time,’ and I’m trying to do that. And [this interview] helps. But it still is bringing back that night. And we have to heal. We have to start healing and learning to deal with everyday life,” Valerie Zamarripa said. “I won’t get a phone call from him anymore. Or him just calling me to babysit, or just showing up and us getting together to go eat.”
“Or just random calls,” sister Laura Zamarripa noted. “Like yesterday, I was driving on the road and I was about to just pick up the phone and call him. And I had to stop myself.”
“Those are going to be the hard things,” Valerie Zamarripa said.
Zamarripa's Girlfriend
The Zamarripa family also released the first public statement from Kristy Villasenor, the longtime girlfriend of Patrick and the mother of the couple’s two young children.
“I never thought I would have to emotionally endure what I have these past few weeks," Villasenor wrote in a statement released only to NBC 5." Patrick ALWAYS made it home! So why should that night be any different? I felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest and as if my soul would forever be half empty.”
In addition to her grief, Villasenor wrote extensively about her love for Patrick and the strength she must now summon on account of their children.
“People like Patrick don’t come along often. They are few and far between. I miss him. I miss his smile. I miss hearing his voice. I miss hearing his laugh, and I even miss hearing his god awful snoring at night!” Villasenor noted. “I don’t know how I’m going to get through life without him, but for our kids’ sake, I have no choice but to learn to manage our pain and loss.”
Villasenor ended her statement, as did the Zamarripa family its interview, by praising the many people who have extended kindness and love in the wake of their private tragedy.
“I want to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for the tremendous amount of love and support we have been shown,” Villasenor said. “Although I would much rather have him back, I truly appreciate all of the efforts in raising money to ensure our children will be taken care of.”
“We appreciate everything everyone in this town, in the world – the Metroplex, basicall – has given us,” Valerie Zamarripa said. “So much love and support that we can’t send out ‘Thank you’ cards to each and every one. But from the bottom of our hearts we thank you. Thank you so very much.”
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