A Protector, a Mentor, and a Hero Remembered

The Cherokee County School District and the greater Georgia community are grieving the heartbreaking loss of Officer Bryan Zapp, a beloved school resource officer at Freedom Middle School and a proud Army combat veteran. His passing has left an immeasurable void in the lives of students, colleagues, friends, and most of all, his family. Bryan was more than an officer—he was a presence of comfort, safety, and unwavering kindness, someone whose steady spirit anchored those around him.

To the students he greeted each morning, he was a mentor who made them feel seen and cared for. To the staff who worked beside him, he was a reliable source of strength and integrity. And to his family, especially his daughter, he was the heart of their world. Those who knew him describe a man who carried immense responsibility with quiet grace, whose compassion shaped every interaction, and whose dedication to others was evident in every chapter of his life.

A Life Built on Service, Courage, and Deep Compassion

Before becoming a respected school resource officer, Bryan Zapp served his country proudly as an Army combat veteran. His years in uniform molded his character—instilling deep discipline, courage, and a commitment to protecting others. These qualities seamlessly transitioned into his work within the Cherokee County School District, where he discovered a profound calling in supporting young people.

At Freedom Middle School, Officer Zapp was more than a badge in the hallway. He was a friendly face students gravitated toward, a calm voice during moments of uncertainty, and a trusted adult who treated every child with dignity. He listened without judgment, encouraged without hesitation, and protected without fail. Staff members recall that he adored working with kids and approached each day with purpose, believing that even the smallest gesture could change a student’s life.

Despite the seriousness of his duties, Bryan carried himself with a gentleness that put others at ease. His humor was warm, his presence reassuring, and his ability to lift spirits something colleagues treasured deeply. He brought light into spaces where fear, worry, or hurt sometimes walked in—always offering a smile, a kind word, or a moment of understanding.

A Legacy Carried Forward in Every Life He Touched

The news of Officer Zapp’s passing has sent ripples of grief throughout the community he so faithfully served. Tributes continue to pour in from students who felt safe because of him, parents who trusted him with their children, and colleagues who leaned on him more than he ever realized. Each message echoes a profound truth: the world has lost a truly good man—one who made it safer, kinder, and more hopeful.

Funeral arrangements will be shared at a later time in accordance with his family’s wishes, giving the community an opportunity to come together to honor his life, service, and extraordinary heart.