Joseph P. Zangaro

Joseph P. ZangaroBerrien County Trial Court

  • End of Watch: July 11, 2016

Security Supervisor Joseph P. Zangaro was shot and killed by an inmate inside the Berrien County Courthouse, St. Joseph, Michigan. The inmate was being escorted from his holding cell by a jail deputy when he began to fight with the deputy. The inmate was able to disarm the deputy and opened fire, killing Zangaro and Court Officer Ronald Kienzle. The inmate was shot and killed by other court officers a short time later.

Joe was born January 24, 1955, in Battle Creek, Michigan. He graduated from Lakeview High School in 1973. Joe began his career in law enforcement as part of the 94th Michigan State Police Trooper Recruit School and retired after a 25-year career as First Lieutenant of the Bridgman Post in 2003.  After a short retirement, Joe became head of security for the Berrien County Trial Court, overseeing all court security officers for the next 13 years.

Joseph P. Zangaro was laid to rest at Hickory Bluff Cemetery in Lincoln Township, Michigan.