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Posted: 6:27 PM Jan 7, 2008
Chippewa County Deputy Killed in the Line of Duty
The Sheriff's Department says a vehicle hit Deputy Jason Zunker near the scene of a semi fire. Click on our story to view Saturday's press conference on the incident in its entirety. Reporter: Katie HeinzEmail Address: katie.heinz@weau.com |
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Posted by: law enforcement wife
Location: WI
on Jan 6, 2008 at 10:22 PM
My condolences to both families. This is not easy. But please wait until all details are released to pass judgement. Deputy Zunker sounds like he was an exceptional officer. I am married to a 15 yr law enforcement veteran and this story causes chills. I am so sorry for your loss. Complaining about your spouse & kid's dad missing holidays and working those odd hours seems trivial in light of this story. God Bless!
Posted by: Anonymous
Location: chippewa falls
on Jan 6, 2008 at 10:22 PM
What does on going investigation mean???? JUST THAT!!!! THE FACTS ARE NOT OUT!!!! WHY WOULD YOU BE SO IGNORANT TO PASS JUDGEMENT WHEN BOTH SIDES OF THE CASE HAVEN'T BEEN HEARD!!! THE STATE PATROL HAS NOT YET EVEN RELEASED THEIR FINDINGS!!! THERE ARE TWO VICTOMS HERE!!! WHEN THE INVESTIGATION IS OVER AND A JURY OF PEERS HAS DECIDED THE FATE OF THIS CASE, IT WILL NEVER TRULY BE OVER. AN ACCIDENT IS JUST THAT...AN ACCIDENT!!! NO ONE MEANT TO TAKE THE LIFE OF AN OFFICER!!! MY PRAYERS ARE OUT TO THE ZUNKER FAMILY, AND ERIKA.
Posted by: Sharon
Location: Minnesota
on Jan 6, 2008 at 08:40 PM
I am truly sorry about the sheriff's death but, wish their was enforcement of the moveover law.......highway workers, law enforcement and tow operators are all in danger......we have traveled highway 53 20 times in the last year and we always move over and slow down when workers, law enforcement and tow operators are on the shoulder.......wish drivers would use caution and common sense......
Posted by: Leigh
Location: Eau Claire
on Jan 6, 2008 at 05:29 PM
My sympathy and condolences go out to Deputy Zunker's family. This is a tragedy and regardless of who is to blame...many lives will never be the same. Please do not pass judgement on Erica. This tragic event will forever alter her life. Critizing and condemning her serves no purpose and will not change anything. Put yourself in her shoes. I've worked in emergency services and I've seen and had close calls. However, I've also drove inattentively. Most people have and always consider themselves lucky that something bad didn't happen. Please keep Erica Kressin, the Zunker family/friends, and all emergency services professionals in your prayers.
Posted by: Teri
Location: Colfax
on Jan 6, 2008 at 05:04 PM
First of all my prayers go out to officer Zunkers family, May God be with you. Our job as people when something terrible like this happens is not to judge those involved. It is to try and make sure it never happens again! It is not just the young that don't pay attention when driving. I have seen many people that drive and do foolish things while going through construction zones where workers could get hurt. When ever we're in a slow down situation we must slow down. If you are the lead car which I have been in a zone where it is one lane and down to 30 miles an hour the drivers behind you actually can become very upset because you are following the laws of the road. Wherever you are going it will still be there even if you get there a little late,but make sure that is also true for our Police officers, Emergency Technicians, Fireman, Construction Workers, County Highway Employees. Make sure that if they are going to be late getting home tonight at least they get there.
Posted by: Debra
on Jan 6, 2008 at 02:07 PM
An article from the Leader Telegram stated that emergency personnel are "urging" motorists to slow down. The wording of that is not tough enough. We are a society of careless drivers who will NOT slow down because OUR schedule is more important.
Posted by: Bill
Location: Augusta
on Jan 6, 2008 at 11:07 AM
I just want to give my condolences to Jason's family, friends, and co-workers and to CHSO. Jason will be missed and my thoughts and prayers are with his family. Jason you will always be with us and thanks for your service and dedication to law enforcement.
Posted by: SeenIt
Location: Eau Claire
on Jan 6, 2008 at 09:43 AM
I have worked many accident scenes, and it is amazing how fast some drivers fly by the scene. Even when we have been out there a long time, people still feel the need to fly by and I have seen numerous cops having to yell at drivers to slow down. Trust me, there is nothing to make drivers to slow down except them wanting to. I have seen in broad daylight one lane of traffic being closed on a major highway and all the precautions taken and drivers going by at normal speeds!! This is so dangerous!! Please PLEASE slow down and help save the lives of emergency workers.
Posted by: anon
on Jan 6, 2008 at 07:09 AM
I hope people will learn from this tradegy and learn to slow down. I've seen CHSO light bars. They are very visible. As a fellow officer, I have almost been struck several times providing traffic control. Unfortuately, this serves as a reminder of how fast something can happen a call. Jason will be missed by many.
Posted by: Anonymous
Location: Tilden(music fest security)
on Jan 6, 2008 at 04:57 AM
I have known and worked with the officer of which was and alway's will be a great person as far as I am concerned. I have also known the young girl who was driving the vehichle that hit him since she was born and she to is a great person. If you don't know them personally PLEASE do not pass judgement. This was an accident no one was there to witness this but them two. She need's to live with this the rest of her life not you. My thought's and prayer's are with Chippewa County, the Zunker family and Lisa he was a great guy. And will be GREATLY MISSED!!!
Posted by: Linda
Location: La Crosse
on Jan 6, 2008 at 01:27 AM
I hope they check to see if she was talking on her cellphone when the officer was hit.
Posted by: Sympathetic friend
Location: New Auburn
on Jan 5, 2008 at 11:04 PM
Our thoughts and prayers the jasons family is also with us because it is so hard to lose someone very important. My dad is a police officer too not as big as jason but everytime he gets called out I get scared something might happen so I feel very bad for you I am sorry for the loss of him. Your in our thoughts
Posted by: Joe
Location: Altoona
on Jan 5, 2008 at 11:02 PM
We do not know how fast she was going, so you can't say she wasn't "slowing down". Law Enforcement officers are not personally wearing red and blue flashing lights, so it is very likely they are not seen during the darkness of night, even if she was "slowing down". When law enforcement officers put up their flares to block lanes, they often do it far from the accident site, so the "red and blue lights" could have still been a decent distance away. This is HOW it could have been an accident. In spite of it all, my condolences go out to the Zunker family for their tragic loss so early in the new year.
Posted by: Donna
Location: Lake Nebagamon,Wi
on Jan 5, 2008 at 11:01 PM
My family and I know Jason's parents and family and I cannot imagine what they are going through at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and with Lisa. We are so sorry to hear of this tragedy. It is amazing to see how one person can have such a positive effect so many peoples lives. Being a parent myself I can not imagine what is mother is going through. The Zunker family and all those involved in this terrible accident are in our thoughts and prayers and may the love of our Lord Jesus Christ bring comfort to the family at this time. In Peace, The Smith's
Posted by: Jeanie
Location: Bloomer
on Jan 5, 2008 at 10:55 PM
There is no excuse for this to happen. This was no accident she had to have seen the lights before she came right up to the area common since is if you see lights ahead you slow down and approach with caution you should know something is wrong up ahead but I have seen people fly by or not even move into the other lane of traffic. I hope this will open everyone's eyes and they will slow down for fire trucks, ambulances, police cars, tow trucks, and county trucks. Everyday these people put their life on the line for us and this just proves it. Who would have thought setting up traffic control would cause this officer his life. My thoughts and prayers are with the Zunker family!
Posted by: Mike Erickson
Location: LaCrosse
on Jan 5, 2008 at 10:15 PM
Tragic for all people involved, My sympathy goes out to the family of the Officer
Posted by: mike
Location: ec
on Jan 5, 2008 at 09:28 PM
My prayer and thoughts Zunker family during this hard time, as a firefighter we hate to see things like this happen. This is a reminder to everyone, when you see us out their with our lights on, slow down, keep ur eyes on the road. We don't need to see this happen. Once again my prayer and thoughts to the Zunker family and the Chippewa County Sherif department.
Posted by: Eli
Location: Black River Falls
on Jan 5, 2008 at 09:22 PM
First, my condolences to the friends and family of Deputy Zunker. This tragedy goes to show the dangers Emergency personnel face when responding to help their communities. Being a Firefighter with the Black River Falls Fire Deparment, I myself have seen the ignorance of drivers as they speed past an accident site, or a fire on the side of a highway. SLOW DOWN! This should be a warning to all those that ignore the flashing emergency lights on police, fire and rescue vehicles. For that matter, Slow dow for any lights... even yellow, the highway crews are out there trying to make the roads better to travel on, give them the courtesy of SLOWING DOWN AND MOVING OVER IF POSSIBLE! Yes, we live in a busy world, and that everyone on the road is going someplace. Well let me warn you... if you fail to yield for emergency vehicles, and speed through - You will find your self going to court! SLOW DOWN! Make the effort! or perhaps you'll have the death of an emergency worker on your conscience
Posted by: Steve
Location: Chippewa Falls, WI
on Jan 5, 2008 at 09:03 PM
Jason was an easy going Deputy. He always returned a wave, and a smile when he pas-sed by on the street. This may seem like a insignificant gesture, but it showed me he wasn't just out there enforcing laws. To me it showed he was just another citizen or neighbor. No better or worse than anyone else!!! That was just one facet of an all around good person. I say this because I have waved at a few other officers, and have been snubbed. It hurts. (This is not an attempt to put those officers down.) It is part of the legacy Jason left. They may have not seen me, or were thinking about something else. But, think about it, a smile, or a wave can make someones' day. Do it for Jason. I believe he thought it helped Community Relations. A small gest- ure ? Maybe.....But, bringing together a community....HUGE. Goodbye Jason. You are gone, but not forgotten !!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous
on Jan 5, 2008 at 08:44 PM
what a tragedy. this is truly sad. young people are ignorant, and think that the world revolves around them. this girl will hopefully be going to jail for a very long time. vehicular manslaughter is a criminal offense. also, isn't there a state law that says you must get over for emergency vehicles? obviously a police car is an emergency vehicle. get her off the streets.
Posted by: Jon
Location: EC
on Jan 5, 2008 at 07:49 PM
This is no ACCIDENT. This is what happens out there. Radios, cell phones, tired Drivers, and just plain stupidity are what cause these types of tragedies. My thoughts and prayers to the Zunker Family. I speak from first hand knowledge of a incident like this since I was hit on I-94 . Remember the law. FIRE TRUCKS, AMBULANCES, POLICE CARS, TOW TRUCKS, AND COUNTY TRUCKS YOU MUST SLOW DOWN AND MOVE OVER. All of us that have to preform our job duties on the side of the road count on you to get us home.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Jan 5, 2008 at 07:15 PM
You can't say this is an "ACCIDENT" It's pure IGNORANCE, if she was paying attention to the road and her surroundings than why do we have a fellow sherrif dead? FLASHING RED, BLUE or whatever color lights should be the BIG warning sign of hmm maybe i should slow down! To many people drive without thinking it's about time you wake up. Look at what you will have to live with the rest of your live's My prayers go out to Deputy Zunker's Family!
Posted by: Anonymous
Location: Bloomer
on Jan 5, 2008 at 07:13 PM
my thoughts and prayers go out to this family and to all who knew the officer.. Things like this need to be taken carefully. Obviously when you see red and blue lights is means slow down and move over what don't people understand. I sat in traffic for a while why this accident was being taken care of and i took it in consideration right away when i seen all the lights i knew it meant something so why didn't she. Was she in a hurry? This was not an accident, because it could of been avoided common sence.. SLOW DOWN!!!
Posted by: ANON
Location: ANON
on Jan 5, 2008 at 07:11 PM
It is hard to say what happened. From the pictures on the news, she should of seen the lights, but looking down at the radio, or looking for a cell phone is all it is going to take. Hearing the trooper on the radio say that an officer got hit is not the thing you want to hear. This young lady will have this on her shoulders the rest of her life. This is an accident, until proven different.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Jan 5, 2008 at 06:50 PM
You can see reds and blues for a very long way, especially at night. Something tragic like this has been a long time comming. People need to slow down and move over when they see lights. So many dont. This girls life is ruined. Hopefully more details will come out, but from early reports, she has alot of explaining to do to keep herself out of jail.
Posted by: Sherry
Location: Bloomer
on Jan 5, 2008 at 06:35 PM
There was no excuse for this accident. It was clear from afar that there was something going on up ahead. Everyone should have slowed down. Evidently this one person did not. God Bless this family of the deputy! I think looking into this accident needs to be taken very seriously. No excuse for not seeing the police officer and his vechile before the semi accident.
Posted by: Katie
Location: EC
on Jan 5, 2008 at 06:24 PM
I just wanted to make a comment to the others who are speculating on what happened. You are wrong to blame that young lady unless you know for sure that it was her fault and she somehow did something wrong. When someone dies in an accident, you come out with questions about how things could have been different, but the whys don't help, only time will. You don't have a right to judge her unless you're perfect.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Jan 5, 2008 at 06:10 PM
GOD BLESS THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS, OUR PRAYERS GO OUT FAMILY & FRIENDS WE KNOW HOW IT FEELS TO LOSE A LOVE ONE WHO IS DOING HIS JOB AT THERE BEST. WITH LOVE OF JESUS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOUR FAMILY. SCOTT
Posted by: Adam
Location: anonymous
on Jan 5, 2008 at 06:06 PM
Another tragic reminder of how extra dangerous Police and Fire Operations can be on major highways. I will forever wonder why people can not grasp the concept of "slow down and move over" when they see flashing Red, Blue, and/or White. I know first hand the dangers of working scenes on a major highway and it's amazing how irresponsible and ignorant so many drivers can be. I know I say a little extra prayer everytime I'm called out to the interstate. My Prayers are with the Zunker family. May all the help and support of family, friends, and "brothers" help you through this tragic time.
Posted by: m
Location: ruskcounty
on Jan 5, 2008 at 05:40 PM
Prayers to the family of Deputy Zunker. Things like this should not happen if people are paying attention to what is being done or by signs of direction being given.May God give the young person courage to face the mistake committed.
Posted by: marilyn
Location: neillsville
on Jan 5, 2008 at 05:24 PM
didn't that person see the officer? she should have seen him.this should be taken very serouisly. i feel sad for the officers family and friends
Posted by: shannon
Location: chippewa county
on Jan 5, 2008 at 05:08 PM
My prayers go out to Deputy Zunkers family tonight!! I know how people out there drive and doing a job like that is one of the most dangerous, people, especially the younger ones are either on that phone or just not paying attention. God bless and stay strong.
Posted by: mike
Location: eua claire
on Jan 5, 2008 at 05:02 PM
The truck accident isn't the story. The true tragity is a fellow officer is dead. This should have never happened; however, that's why they are called accidents. All of Chippewa County and area officers are stunned and in shock. Jason was a good man and good officer. Just remember the next time you see flashing REDS & BLUES SLOW DOWN and MOVE OVER, it's the law! We bleed just like everyone else. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Posted by: Deb
Location: Chippewa
on Jan 5, 2008 at 05:02 PM
I just want to give my condolences to the family of the officer that was killed and to the Chippewa Sheriffs Department
Posted by: SAD
Location: CHIPPEWA FALLS
on Jan 5, 2008 at 04:50 PM
WE WILL MISS YOU JASON! YOU WERE ONE OF SOCIETY'S BEST. STAY STRONG LISA, AND PARENTS..WE LOVED SEEING YOUR SMILING FACE AND GREAT ATTITUDE THAT SHINED THROUGH.THE COMMUNITY IS THERE FOR YOU. MAYBE IT IS TIME THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT RE-EVALUATES HOW TRAFFIC CONTROL IS HANDLED. I HAVE HEARD OF MANY OTHER CLOSE CALLS ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS.....HOW CAN ACCIDENTS LIKE THIS BE AVOIDED
Posted by: matt
on Jan 5, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Only going off the info that TV13 provides and seeing how society as a whole drives, this was no "accident" by definition. I hope that the officer can come to a full recovery and that his family stay strong during this difficult time.
Posted by: Jesse
Location: Eau Claire
on Jan 5, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Thoughts and Prayers for this Deputy and his family.
Posted by: ChippewaCountyGirl
Location: Chippewa County
on Jan 4, 2008 at 11:05 PM
We drove past this accident.. It was pretty bad, I hope the guy/girl made it out all right.. Whats the word on the car right by the bloomer exit going the same way?? Kinda looked like the car hit the cop car that was directing traffic off 53??
Posted by: sara
Location: spooner
on Jan 4, 2008 at 10:52 PM
I witnessed the cab completely engulfed in flames - only the shell of the cab was left. The "Walmart" logo on the trailer was well illuminated by the flames. I drove about 2 more miles and saw the emergency vehicles coming tword the accident.
Posted by: Cindy
Location: Bloomer
on Jan 4, 2008 at 10:43 PM
There was an officer hit during the tractor trailer fire on highway 53 tonight. |
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To Just a Citizen...you need the point made again, know the entire story before you start shooting your mouth off indicating a fallen officer shouldn't have been doing what he was doing. Not your place.
I grew up with several of Jason's aunties and uncles...they are a wonderful, loving and thoughtful family! It has been a great many years since I saw Jason...in the picture above, I can see his mom and his dad...On the prayerchain I have, many of the people replied to me and said that they knew him or knew his family, or lived near by...all are praying for the family and everyone that replied said that he was a wonderful man and this is a great loss. I wanted to share that with the family. To the family, I would like to say that my thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you (and there are a LOT of you)! many blessings for the strength you need and much love, Anna Martineau Merritt, Gordon, WI
I grew up with several of Jason's aunties and uncles...they are a wonderful, loving and thoughtful family! It has been a great many years since I saw Jason...in the picture above, I can see his mom and his dad...On the prayerchain I have, many of the people replied to me and said that they knew him or knew his family, or lived near by...all are praying for the family and everyone that replied said that he was a wonderful man and this is a great loss. I wanted to share that with the family. To the family, I would like to say that my thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you (and there are a LOT of you)! many blessings for the strength you need and much love, Anna
For your information there was a Wisconsin State Trooper on the scene with Officer Zunker. Since Officer Zunker was assisting the state police in shutting down the highway, I would think that the state would agree with placeing cone and flares, to divert traffic off the roadway. Maybe read the whole story, before questioning the perfomances of the officers that were there that night.
It is disturbing that many people have jumped to a guilty verdict for the driver, especially on the Officer Down Memorial Page website for law enforcement personnel. Since I'm not in law enforcement, I cannot post a comment telling certain officers from around the country that this girl hasn't been charged with anything and is innocent until proven guilty by a jury if she is even charged. In their opinion, she is already guilty of MURDER! I'm not in law enforcement, but I have been driving in many states for over 40 years. Should he have waited for at least another police car to shut down an entire highway like 53, especially at night, unless there was a certain injury risk to oncoming motorists--like a bridge collapse. Will the State Police agree that he shouldn't have been in the highway putting up cones in the dark by himself? Should others not automatically blame this young lady if she simply did not see him until it was too late. Hope you are all perfect behind the wheel!
I was so sorry to hear of the news of Jason's death. Lisa our thoughts and prayers go out to you. I knew the both of you and will have only fond memories of jason.
Okay..we will give the driver the benefit of the doubt until the facts are in. Regardless of it being an emergency situation or not WE need to Slow down in our everyday driving.(not sure if I previously submitted this.)
OK, we will give this girl the benefit of the doubt..BUT...drivers need to take this as a wake up call to SLOW DOWN! Not just in emergency situations BUT in every day driving.
No one knows enough facts to start casting stones and blaming everything on this driver! It is a fact that it was a dark, moonless night on a very curvy and hilly stretch of HWY 53 with a normal speed limit of 65 mph. Also, this deputy in his dark brown uniform was on foot near or in the left lane without any back up help in the beginning stages of stopping all traffic on 53 and diverting it to Hwy 40. Even during the light of day, isn't that a dangerously tall order for just for one officer? Please withhold all your judgments on this young lady until the facts and a jury determine guilt, if any. Try saying a prayer for the fallen officer and his family instead.
Actually they call them crashes not as most "accidents" are avoidable.
I am so sorry for Jason's family. My prayers are with you all. I graduated with Jason for Northwestern High in 1995. He was so nice and everything else. I am gonna miss him alot. I feel really bad for his family and the officers that Jason worked with. My prayers are with all of you. God Bless everyone. We will all miss him. Jason's classmate Tammy
Jason was a bright light in our family and he will be missed. No words can be said to Lisa, Marlene and Duane that can fully express the complete sadness that we are all feeling. Know that if there is anything we can do to help, we surely will. His memory will be with us always...
I think poeple need to hear both sides of the story before they judge that poor girl. Give her a chance. With all the lights flashing it may have been hard to see the deputy. But please hear her side of the story before you judge.
Reading through some of the comments at the bottom of the page that ask "how could this have been an accident, it could have been avoided?" Isn't that what an accident is? Something that could have and should have been avoided? That is why it is an Accident. Have you never answered your phone while driving, lit a cigarette, looked in your purse for a stick of gum, turned to check on the kids, or picked something up from the floor? Don't tell me that you haven't ever done one of these things. In the split second that you can do one of them, an accident can happen. I was t-boned by a car turning into her driveway. She didn't see my red car! It was an accident. My heart aches for all parties involved with this tragedy. My prayers go out to the Zunker family, Chippewa County Police, and to Erika.
Jason was a wonderful person, husband, son. I will always remember his smile, his kindness and how proud we were of him becoming a Chippewa County Deputy. Our love and prayers go out to Lisa, Duane, & Marlene and to all our family members grieving tonight. Jason will be sadly missed and always in our hearts.