Local Agencies Lend A Hand During Tragedy
While many Cathedral City officers and firefighters joined together to say goodbye to fallen friend Jermaine Gibson, other local agencies paid their respects in a different way. Officers and firefighters from all over Riverside County converged to the desert to help cover offices and duties to allow Gibson’s fellow policemen and women to attend the funeral. “There are no boundaries in this county,” said Cal Fire Batallion Chief Dean Viek. “We all work together. We may have our disagreements but when it comes time to take care of business, we’re on top of it, here to protect the community.”
Those helping out didn’t think much of their assistance, but rather were just happy to help. “The system just like a fire if there was one and resources were stretched thin, we call upon our neighbors,” said Veik. “Same way when there’s a funeral or a tragedy, and they need help, we can come over and offer assistance. So today, we have three fire engines, myself as the Battalion Chief and two AMR units running.”
Though they may not have known Officer Gibson, their help is a way of paying their last respects. “It shows a pride in the community, as you’ve seen at other funerals, fire or police, there are other agencies that participate and show their respect for the public servants and that’s what we’re here for. We appreciate when the public comes out, shows their support and respect for an officer of their community.”
The officers and firefighters aren’t the only ones looking to aid those hurting from Officer Gibson’s death. The Denny’s in Cathedrdal City is hosting a fundraiser on Monday, where 50% of all proceeds between 4-10pm will go to the memorial fund. “We’re here to support him and try to turn an unfortunate situation into a good situation, turn heartbreak into hope, and definitely let the city know and let Officer Gibson’s family know that we are here to support them and understand that family’s first,” said General Manager Christopher Bluhm.
For more information on the Denny’s fundraiser or how you can help, go to our ‘Seen on 3’ section.
