[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 161 (Friday, September 17, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E982-E983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING PALM SPRINGS POLICE CHIEF BRIAN REYES

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RAUL RUIZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 17, 2021

  Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the career of Palm 
Springs Police Chief Bryan Reyes who has retired after nearly 30 years 
of service to our community.
  A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Chief Reyes began his 
career in law enforcement as a reserve police officer for the Compton 
Police Department in 1991. After transferring to the Palm Springs 
Police Department in 1993, he rose through the ranks--serving as an 
officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain before ultimately 
police chief.
  Chief Reyes led the Palm Springs Police Department through difficult 
times. On October 8, 2016, during the first year of his tenure as Chief 
of Police, Palm Springs police officers Lesley Zerebny and Gilbert Vega 
were tragically killed in the line of duty. Chief Reyes recognized the 
devastating impact this would have on the department, community, and 
the officers' families. He prioritized the mental health needs of those 
affected and his guidance brought us all closer together in this time 
of mourning.
  I am honored to have collaborated with Chief Reyes in authoring 
legislation to commemorate the tremendous sacrifice made by

[[Page E983]]

officers Zerebny and Vega that day. Named in their honor and inspired 
by our local police officers at the Palm Springs Police Department, the 
Heroes Lesley Zerebny and Gilbert Vega First Responders Survivors 
Support Act would get families of our fallen heroes the support they 
need to ensure they have every opportunity to succeed in life.
  During his more than six years of leadership, Chief Reyes 
strengthened the department's community policing in neighborhoods, 
expanded outreach and engagement with residents and businesses through 
Town Hall meetings, implemented new technology and social media 
platforms, and fostered trust and credibility through regular meetings 
with neighborhoods and community organizations. Under his guidance, the 
Palm Springs Police Department developed important partnerships with 
the Palm Springs Unified School District, Palm Springs Chamber of 
Commerce, Main Street Palm Springs, Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs, 
Mizell Senior Center, Well in the Desert, Desert Regional Medical 
Center, and many more local organizations. Further, Chief Reyes has 
received numerous accolades for his incredible leadership, including 
Life Saving Medals, the Officer of the Year award, and the Community 
Hero's Award.
  Chief Reyes' 28 years of tireless and dedicated work for the Palm 
Springs community is a testament to his outstanding leadership, 
character, and commitment to the well-being of Palm Springs residents.
  Chief Reyes will be missed, and the changes brought about under his 
leadership will continue to improve the lives of Palm Springs police 
officers and the entire Palm Springs community.
  On behalf of the great people of California's 36th Congressional 
District I want to thank Chief Bryan Reyes for all he has done for our 
community. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement.

                          ____________________