Holly MatkinCincinnati, OH – Cincinnati Police Department (CPD) Officer Olivia Zick died unexpectedly on Feb. 11.
The CPD confirmed the 30-year-old officer’s death in a tweet the following day.
“Chief [Teresa] Theetge regrets to announce the death of Police Officer Olivia Zick,” the department said. “Officer Zick was a kind and compassionate Police Officer that cared deeply about helping others in the communities she served.”
The 30-year-old officer’s exact cause of death was not immediately released.
“Officer Zick’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers,” the CPD said.
The Pennsylvania native graduated from Xavier University in 2015, according to her obituary.
The following year, on her birthday, she became an altruistic kidney donor – thereby saving the life of a 29-year-old Los Angeles mother who she had never met, WKRC reported.
She was later able to meet the woman in person.
“She wanted to give back and help someone in need,” LifeCenter Community Relations Director Andi Johnson told WKRC. “That’s truly who she was, just inside and out.”
Officer Zick’s selfless donation inspired others to follow suit, triggering “a domino of donations and transplants,” according to her obituary.
“This feeling of helping others is what made Olivia want to become a police officer,” the tribute read.
Officer Zick joined the ranks of the CPD in 2019 and quickly became a decorated officer.
“She loved being a police officer,” her obituary read. “She was so proud to represent the city of Cincinnati.”
Officer Zick leaves behind her mother and five siblings, as well as her eight nieces and nephews.
She is also survived by her dearest friend, Melissa, and many uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Officer Zick was laid to rest on Feb. 20.
Chief Theetge regrets to announce the death of Police Officer Olivia Zick. Officer Zick was a kind and compassionate Police Officer that cared deeply about helping others in the communities she served. Officer Zick's family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/sgOf8YZWj7
— Cincinnati Police Department (@CincyPD) February 12, 2023
CPD announced Officer Olivia Zick’s tragic death over the weekend. Today I spoke with the leaders at LifeCenter who say she was a living donor before picking up the badge. Such a beautiful life of service. I’ll share more on @Local12 at 6. pic.twitter.com/0dncsUZods
— Courtney Wheaton (@Courtney_OnAir) February 13, 2023
#FBI Cincinnati sends our deepest condolences to our friends and partners at @CincyPD following the loss of Police Officer Olivia Zick. pic.twitter.com/RomuaZyWPg
— FBI Cincinnati (@FBICincinnati) February 13, 2023
Deepest condolences to the women and men of the @CincyPD, the family and friends of Police Officer Olivia Zick. Everyone has said: Ofc. Zick was a kind & compassionate #LawEnforcement officer that cared deeply about helping others. Let’s keeping doing more #itsokaytonotbeokay 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/lCPeRbET9a
— Ed O'Carroll (@edocarroll) February 13, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Cincinnati Police Department Officer Olivia Zick, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
