Ofc. Zachary Melvin, Detroit Police

Dear Marc and Christa,

On October 26, 2025, my life changed in a matter of seconds. What began as a routine traffic stop for me then became something much more tragic, and from that moment forward, nothing that followed was familiar territory.

Marc, through every bit of that, you were there. Every step. You prepared me before I walked into my Garrity Interview and Board of Police Commissioners Hearing, and you reassured me when I was unable to see the path forward. You explained things to me in a way that made sense because it was cut dry and to the point including the truth even when i t was hard to acknowledge, you never once let me feel like I was facing any of it on my own. The stress and uncertainty were constant for months, and your steadiness is a big part of why I made it through with my mind intact.

Christa, although you and I only briefly spoke, I want you to know that your work did not go unnoticed. You took the time to send me copies of my department documentation. I also know how much you do for Marc behind the scenes. A practice like this does not run without someone like you holding it together, and the steadiness I felt from Marc throughout this process was, in no small part, made possible by you.

I do not know how to repay either of you, but I can tell you that any officer who finds themselves in a situation like mine will hear your name from me. What Defender of the Blue does for officers in our worst moments is something the rest of the profession should know about.

With my deepest gratitude and respect,

Zachary Melvin