The Bowling Green Police Division lost one of its members in a tragic off-duty automobile accident on Sunday, December 21, 1997. Ptl. Eric Zimmerman had just graduated from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy in Columbus, OH on December 12, 1997 and had been assigned to the Patrol Bureau.

Prior to being hired Eric had graduated from Admmiral King High School in Lorain, OH in 1991, where he was a standout player on the football team. Eric went on to play football at Eastern Michigan University where he sustained a carrer-ending knee injury. He then transferred to Bowling Green State University graduating in 1997 with a degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice.

In early 1998 Eric's family established a memorial fund with all donations going to the Bowling Green Police Division DARE program. The funds were used to establish an after school educational program in Eric's name. This program, Eric Zimmerman Positive Living Utilizing Skills (EZ Plus) began in the fall of 1998.

Eric was with the Bowling Green Police Division for only a short time, but the positive influence of the EZ Plus program will have a long lasting impact on the youth of the Bowling Green community for generations to come.

The Bowling Green Police Division respectfully acknowledges Eric's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Zimmerman, whose encouragement and support of the EZ Plus program continually benefits the youth of our community.