LAS VEGAS – The hallways of Clark County schools feel emptier today after the sudden passing of CCSD Police Officer Bryan William Zapp, the 42-year-old veteran, father, and youth softball coach whose infectious grin and bear hugs made him a favorite among students and families alike.
Officer Zapp died unexpectedly late last week; the exact cause has not been made public out of respect for the family’s privacy.
SUPPORT THE FAMILY - GOD BLESS YOU
Whether he was dressed in uniform high-fiving kids in the cafeteria or decked out as “the world’s tallest Elsa” at character breakfasts (complete with blonde wig and glitter), Zapp had a gift for turning ordinary school moments into magic.
“He’d see a shy kindergartner hiding behind mom and drop to one knee, flash that huge smile, and say ‘Hey superstar, I’ve been looking for my new deputy—you in?’” recalled one elementary principal. “By the time they left, that kid was wearing his junior officer sticker like a medal.”
On the diamond, Zapp spent the last several seasons coaching travel softball, most recently guiding a team that included his daughter Kyndal and many of her closest friends. Parents say he was the coach who kept a cooler of ice pops in his truck for after games, never raised his voice, and ended every practice with “Family on three!”
“He didn’t coach softball. He coached kids,” one mom posted through tears. “He made every girl feel like she was the most important player on the field.”
A 20-year Army veteran who served multiple tours overseas, Zapp joined CCSD Police in 2019 and quickly became the officer every school requested for events. His patrol SUV was famously covered in stickers from students who “deputized” him daily.
CCSD Police Chief Henry Domínguez released a statement saying, “Bryan lived to serve, whether it was keeping our schools safe or making a little girl’s day by letting her turn on the light bar. His loss leaves a hole that can’t be filled.”
A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, December 6 at Faith Lutheran Middle School & High School gymnasium. The family requests attendees wear softball jerseys or bright colors—“the louder, the better, because that’s how Bryan lived.”
In lieu of flowers, a fundraiser has been established for Kyndal’s college fund and to place a permanent “Officer Zapp Memorial Bench” at every CCSD campus he served.
Rest easy, Coach. The kids will keep the ice pops cold and the light bar flashing for you. 🖤🚔🥎