Memorial Service for First Female Officer killed in the Line of Duty Officer Tina F. Zapata Kerbrat

Los Angeles:  Today, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Women’s Running Team, held a special memorial ceremony for slain Officer Tina F. Zapata Kerbrat who was killed twenty years ago today.

On February 11, 1991, only four months after graduating from the Police Academy, Kerbrat was the first female LAPD officer to die in the line of duty.  Kerbrat was on patrol with her partner in the North Hollywood Division.  While on patrol the officers pulled to the curb to conduct an investigation of two men who appeared to be drinking from an open beer can.  As Kerbrat was preparing to get out of the car, the armed suspect charged the car and fired severalshots into the car killing her instantly.  Kerbrat’s partner was able to return fire, killing the suspect.  Kerbrat, left behind her husband Tim and two small children, Craig six and Nicole three.

To honor her life and legacy, the LAPD Women’s Running Team–Team Tina Kerbrat, will run the 27th Annual Baker to Vegas 120 mile relay race in her memory.  The team consists of 25 female police officers. Their goal is to break a twenty year record of 15 hours 35 minutes and 50 seconds.

Joining Team Tina Kerbrat today at the memorial ceremony were Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese,numerous Department personnel, and Kerbrat’s widower Tim and her son, Craig. Kerbrat’s daughter Nicole lives out of state and was unable to attend the service.