Stretch of road to be named after fallen PSPD officers
Four mile stretch of road to be named after two Palm Springs police officers who died in the line of duty last year.
Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes (Yucca Valley) announced on Tuesday that part of Highway 111 has been officially designated by the state as “Police Officer Jose ‘Gil’ Vega and Police Officer Lesley Zerebny Memorial Highway.”
Read: Suspect in killing of 2 officers arrested
The stretch of road named after the officers will run for 4 miles, starting from Overture Drive to West San Rafael Drive in Riverside County. Signs will be put up honoring the officers as drivers enter Palm Springs, although at this time it’s still not known how many will be up.
“While we can never repay Officers Vega and Zerebny for their sacrifice, this memorial highway will honor their dedication to protecting the people of Palm Springs,” said Mayes. “I’m proud that California is giving these heroes the recognition they deserve.”
Assemblyman Hayes had originally proposed the renaming of the road back in January.
Officer Joe Cook, president of the Palm Springs Police Officers Association said the stretch of road is one used by officers when coming back to Palm Springs after dropping off arrestees at the Banning jail.
Once private funds are raised, Caltrans will produce signs marking the memorial highway, which will be unveiled at a dedication ceremony.
Cook said he hopes to have funds raised by October so they can have the dedication ceremony on the one year anniversary.
“Everyone coming into Palm Springs and leaving there is going to see that these officers paid the ultimate sacrifice for this community,” Cook said.
You can email Officer Cook to get more information on how to contribute to the fund at J.cook@palmspringspoa.com.
You can also drop off a donation at the Palm Springs police station.
Officers Vega and Zerebny were killed in the line of duty responding to a report of a domestic disturbance on October 8, 2016.
The man accused of killing the two officers, John Felix, is currently undergoing a mental health evaluation to see if he is fit to stand trial. Felix is due back in court at the end of September, he could face.
