As visitation services for Morgantown Police Officer Zane Breakiron begin this evening at Abundant Life Church in Uniontown, the hearts of those who knew him remain heavy.
Breakiron, 34, was killed in an off-duty car accident believed to have occurred in the early morning hours of June 3 on W.Va. 43 toward the Pennsylvania border. The accident is being investigated by the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department, but as of Tuesday the department was unable to provide any updates.
MPD officials released a statement Monday saying Breakiron, a decorated officer who served as a Patrol Officer First Class and K-9 handler, “was an absolute blessing, not only to the Morgantown Police Department, but to anyone and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
His coworkers said they will remember his “outstanding character, genuine smile, contagious laughter, fun-loving personality, and passion for the community. Each time Zane came to work, he brought with him a light of positivity that radiated throughout the entire department. He was not only an incredible person, but a fantastic police officer as well. His presence was a source of comfort to friends, family, coworkers, and community members alike.”
That presence was certainly treasured by those who had crossed paths with Breakiron at one time or another, with many taking to social media to share how he had touched their lives.
A close friend of Breakiron and his family, who wished to remain anonymous, described him as someone “everyone just loves.” A protector, someone who stood up for others even as a teenager, and “a really cool dude.”
“He was a man of honor, wisdom, and just sheer good-hearted joy,” they said. “If he could tell that you were in a bad mood or sad, he would always just go out of his way to be like, ‘Hey man, you alright?’”
“You could feel love coming from Zane. You could feel it – it was palpable. I mean just an absolutely beautiful person,” the friend said. “He was such an exceptional person. I mean, he was just absolutely, completely memorable in every way.
“His smile was literally contagious. He spread nothing but love to everyone and that’s the best way I can put that.”
In addition to the countless stories being shared about how Breakiron positively affected the lives of others, he will be remembered as an exceptional athlete from Laurel Highlands High School, where he was a four-year varsity member for football, wrestling and track and field. He was a two-time Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League medalist in javelin and was named an All-American in the USA Track and Field National Championships. While studying at the University of Florida, he qualified for the NCAA Eastern Regional Finals during his sophomore year.
Breakiron was approaching his seventh year with the Morgantown City Police Department, where he served as a K9 Officer, was a part of the underwater search and rescue team and was a physical trainer for the department.
According to his obituary, he was committed to serving others both in uniform and out and was actively involved with the Catholic War Veterans of Fayette County, the Fraternal Order of Police, and the Hutchinson Sportsman Club.
Breakiron was a member of Abundant Life Church whose spirit thrived in his relationship with God, the obituary reads. “Zane had an infectious smile and ever-loving kindness. To know Zane was to love him.”
Arrangements to honor Breakiron are being handled by the Andrew D. Ferguson Funeral Home.
Visitation services will begin from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 7 at Abundant Life Church, 1239 Brownfield Road in Uniontown and continue from 1-8p.m. and Thursday, June 8. A celebration of Breakiron’s life is scheduled at the church at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 9.
The Breakiron family is asking in lieu of flowers that anyone wishing to honor Zane send donations to WV Law Enforcement Police K9 Fund at https://www.facebook.com/WVLawEnforcementPoliceK9Fund/.
