Community mourns two Palm Springs police officers

A memorial growing in front of the Palm Springs Police Department as community members share their condolences for the two officers killed in Saturday’s shooting. Hundreds of community members stopping by all day leaving flowers, balloons and anything else they can to show support.

Ken Ross is a volunteer chaplain for the Riverside Police Department. When he heard what happened he came to help.

“They said they could probably use a couple of chaplains so I drove out here and did what we could and we’re back today to do anything we could today,” Ross said.

He said when situations like this happen its helpful to have a chaplain.

“They’re able to process a little better it doesn’t make it go away but if they can start processing it and start plugging things in order to walk through it even though it hurts and devastates them,” Ross said.

But what helps more, the support from the community.

“I would encourage the public and everybody just to do anything they can, signs, just anything they can to let them know they they care about the officers,” Ross said.

That call is being heard. People bringing flowers, balloons, candles, all to express their sorrow for the loss of Officers Jose Gil Vega and Lesley Zerebny.

“There are people in here that come out and would do whatever they’re asked to do and just want them to know they appreciate them doing what needs to be done even it it costs them their lives,” Ross said.

Which sadly is what happened to two of Palm Springs finest.