Community honors fallen Palm Springs officers with memorial ride, 10 years later
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Riders and community members gathered Saturday to honor Palm Springs Officers Gil Vega and Lesley Zerebny, marking 10 years since their deaths.
The Palm Springs Police Officers’ Association’s annual memorial ride honored their service, along with the department’s other fallen officers.
For longtime valley resident Carlene Hart, the gathering was personal. She knew Vega through her involvement in the community.
“I always support our officers. But I was here when this tragedy happened,” Hart said. “And I feel they need our love today.”
Vega and Zerebny died on Oct. 8, 2016. Palm Springs Police Lt. Mike Torres said the event offers a chance to remember their contributions and celebrate their lives.
“But we also want to celebrate their lives, celebrate what they did do for us,” Torres said.
Torres spoke about the time the officers gave to their community, including holidays, weekends and birthdays spent serving others.
Saturday’s gathering included a motorcycle ride, memorial program and live music, bringing the community together in remembrance.
Hart said her connection with the department continues through the officers serving today.
“They know your first name, they know where you live, they ask how you’re doing and I love that about our police department,” she said.
Sgt. Joe Cook, president of the Palm Springs Police Officers’ Association, said he hopes the event strengthens the relationship between officers and residents.
“Officers are human too, and we’re out here to help each other and we need each other,” Cook said.
Cook said the association plans to continue the event every year.
For Hart, attending is a way to show the department and the officers’ families that the community still cares.
“So coming out and everyone being here for a reason is why I’m here to support,” she said.
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