[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 10]
[House]
[Page 14364]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             PAYING TRIBUTE TO PALM SPRINGS POLICE OFFICERS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Ruiz) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the lives of Palm Springs 
Officers Jose ``Gil'' Vega and Lesley Zerebny and to support the 
incredible law enforcement officers in my district. It is important to 
tell their story and forever record their heroism in our national 
Record.
  Officers Vega and Zerebny were, tragically, shot and killed in the 
line of duty last month while responding to what seemed like a routine 
domestic disturbance in Palm Springs, California.
  Officer Vega lived by the mantra of ``To Serve and Protect.'' He 
graduated from Indio High School and joined the force in Palm Springs 
in 1982. He was always witty, quick to tell a joke and to offer 
guidance to new officers. He was an inspiration to friends, family, and 
countless people who knew him. The day he died, he was only 2 months 
away from retiring after 35 years of service.
  He volunteered to pick up a shift on that day--on his day off. He is 
survived by his wife, Susana, nine children, and many grandchildren.
  Officer Lesley Zerebny was new to the force, with a lifetime of 
service. She showed a passion for law enforcement and service her 
entire life, no doubt inherited from her father, a California Highway 
Patrol officer. She was raised in Hemet, California, and attended West 
Valley High School. As a young girl, she always stood up to bullies to 
protect others and for justice. She was also known for her pranks and 
her fun-loving spirit.
  Officer Zerebny was a mother of a 4-month-old daughter, Cora. She had 
just returned from maternity leave when she was killed. She is survived 
by her husband Zack, a Riverside County Sheriff's Department officer, 
and by baby Cora.
  Officer Vega and Officer Zerebny were two of California's finest. 
Their lives of service and spirit of community embody the values of law 
enforcement officers across our great Nation. Each day, men and women 
like Lesley and Gil wake up, kiss their families good-bye, and go to 
work knowing full well the risks they take to keep us safe. Spouses, 
children, and parents wonder if they will ever return that day.
  Law enforcement officers see danger and they don't run from it; they 
run toward it to protect others. We are safer because of them. They and 
their families deserve our utmost gratitude for their service.
  So on behalf of the people of California's 36th Congressional 
District, my wife, Monica, and my family, I want to thank Officer Vega 
and Officer Zerebny and their families for their ultimate sacrifice. 
Our hearts are with you, and our hearts are with all law enforcement 
brothers and sisters during their time of mourning. We mourn with you, 
and we continue to offer our deepest gratitude for your service. Your 
dedication and the risks you take each and every day will never be 
forgotten.
  Officer Vega and Officer Zerebny, end of watch, October 8, 2016.

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