Officer Ezekiel “EZ” Zimmerman grew up without a father, was adopted at nine, and later discovered a calling to ministry—while wearing a badge. In this raw and hope-filled conversation, EZ shares how God turned anger and identity wounds into a life of service as a deputy sheriff and school resource officer.

You’ll hear the adoption story behind his name change, why the word “chosen” reframed his identity, and a jaw-dropping account of an arrest that became a redemption story. EZ also issues a heartfelt challenge to law enforcement across America—inviting officers to find healing, purpose, and community in Christ.

What we cover:

• Father wounds, anger, and early faith through his grandparents
• The courtroom moment that changed his name and future
• Ministry “behind the badge” and how faith changes policing
• A real story of addiction to freedom (and how a single question sparked it)
• A challenge and invitation to every officer listening
• Life verse: Jeremiah 29:11–13 and the promises inside it
• Resource: Wild at Heart by John Eldredge (men’s discipleship)

Connect with Officer EZ:
• Facebook: search “Ezekiel Zimmerman” (ambassador page)
• Email: ezimmerman80@gmail.com

• Agency: Howard County Sheriff’s Office, Kokomo, IN
• National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (Indiana Ambassador)

🙌 Subscribe and join a community of men who are breaking cycles, healing from the past, and building strong families through faith.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE NOW: / @dudeswithoutdadspodcast

🎧 Listen to full episodes on Spotify / Apple Podcasts:: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512163

🙌 Support the Mission: Every gift helps us reach more people: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_butt...

Connect with the Show:
• Share this episode with an officer or someone battling addiction
• Visit our site for resources & show notes
• Subscribe and leave a review—it helps more “dudes without dads” find hope

Hashtags: #Adoption #Faith #LawEnforcement #Testimony #IdentityInChrist

Chapter Markers (Buzzsprout Timestamps)

00:00 Intro
00:18 Early years & father wounds
02:10 Realizing what’s missing
04:45 Big brother’s influence
07:00 Brother leaves for the Army
09:00 Anger, loss & coping
12:00 Faith through grandma’s church
14:00 Meeting John (the future “Dad”)
16:00 Adoption & name change to Zimmerman
18:00 What it means to be “chosen”
21:00 Advice for would-be adoptive parents
23:00 Identity in Christ, heritage & DNA
27:00 Calling to law enforcement + ministry
33:00 Can a cop be a minister?
36:00 The warrant, the planned attack… and a miracle
42:00 Addiction to freedom: chapel, banquet, job, church
46:00 A charge to officers in America
49:00 How to seek God & find a church
52:00 Life verse: Jeremiah 29:11–13
56:00 Where to find Officer EZ & final challenge