2007 Award for Valor

Officer Walter Joseph Zakrzewski, Virginia Wesleyan College

Officer Walter Joseph Zakrzewski was killed in the line of duty on Oct. 11, 2006. Officer Zakrzewski was hired on the 4th of July 2006. Officer Zakrzewski excelled in ensuring that all services requested were completed in a timely manner. He was affectionately known as “Officer Wally” by students.

Officer Zakrzewski is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; son Eric; daughter Rebecca; and two grandchildren. Isabella and Gabriella. Walter’s family was honored at the Virginia Association of College Law Enforcement Administrators summer conference on June 14, 2007 with a commemorative plaque in Walter’s honor.

He served as a Petty Officer in the United States Navy at the Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Norfolk, Virginia with the Assault Craft Units. He attended The Department of Criminal Justice security officer training course prior to being assigned to the second shift.

He was the first security officer killed in the line of duty at Virginia Wesleyan since the institution was founded in 1961. Officer Zakrzewski’s memory is preserved in a memorial case in the Campus Security Office. The case contains his picture, his badge, and the Meritorious Service Metal for making the ultimate sacrifice.

Officer Zakrzewski was nominated by former Virginia Wesleyan Police Chief Leo Therrien.