Roll of Honor
Incident
Security Supervisor Joe Zangaro and Court Officer Ron Kienzle were shot and killed inside the Berrien County Courthouse by an inmate who was attempting to escape at approximately 2:25 pm.
The inmate was being returned to a holding cell following a court appearance when he attacked a sheriff's deputy in the corridor behind the courtroom. Officer Kienzle heard the struggle and ran into the corridor. As soon as he opened the door to the corridor the prisoner shot him with the deputy's service weapon.
The man escaped into a public hallway where he shot a civilian and exchanged shots with two other court officers, killing Supervisor Zangaro, before being killed by return gunfire.
The inmate was in court for two counts of criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping, assault with a dangerous weapon, and domestic assault.
Security Supervisor Zangaro had served as the Berrien County Trial Court's director of security for 10 years after having retired from the Michigan State Police after 25 years.
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BO-US-MI-C69AF29A- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
35 years. You could have gone home.
Security Supervisor Zangaro gave the Berrien County Trial Court 35 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the St. Joseph community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Security Supervisor Zangaro.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Security Supervisor Joseph Peter Zangaro is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In MI, 426 of 719 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 59.2% of this state's fallen. That is 59.2 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Berrien County Trial Court, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Joseph Peter Zangaro's cause is highlighted.
How Joseph Peter Zangaro Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joseph Peter Zangaro is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joseph Peter Zangaro was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Berrien County Trial Court are honored on badge.nw.
