Dallas officer’s life in his own words

By all accounts, Patrick Zamarripa was a loving father, patriotic American, loyal Rangers fan and hero to his family and friends.

Zamarripa, 32, was one of five officers killed last week when a gunman opened fire after a downtown Dallas protest.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Wilkerson Greines Athletic Center, 5201 Ca Roberson Blvd. in Fort Worth. The Navy veteran will be buried at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.

“I was his hero and then he went into the military … he was my hero,” said his uncle Fernando Zamarripa.

Patrick Zamarripa survived three tours in Iraq. He served during Operation Iraqi Freedom starting in 2003, his uncle said.

His extended family at Paschal High, where Zamarripa was a trumpet player in the Paschal marching band, also mourned him.

“The Paschal community is heartbroken,” Principal Terri Mossige told the Star-Telegram. “Once a Paschal Panther, always a Paschal Panther.”

On his Twitter account, Zamarripa reveals a life filled with fun, respect for his fellow officer and love to those close to him.

January 20, 2016

February 16, 2016

March 15, 2016

June 19, 2016

July 4, 2016

This report contains material from Star-Telegram archives.

This story was originally published July 15, 2016 at 2:52 PM with the headline "Dallas officer’s life in his own words."