Funeral services held for slain Palm Springs police officers

Members of law enforcement agencies throughout the country were among thousands of mourners who gathered in Palm Springs Tuesday to remember Palm Springs police Officers Jose Gilbert Vega and Lesley Zerebny, who were killed in the line of duty on Saturday, October 8 during a domestic call.

Watch the memorial services online at Desert News Now

The service for Vega and Zerebny, who were gunned down after responding to a family disturbance call at a Palm Springs home, got underway at about 11 a.m. at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

Palm Springs police Lt. Mike Kovaleff opened the ceremony, calling it “by far, the most honorable duty of my career.” He said although his heart was heavy, he was proud to stand before the audience of nearly 20,000,
especially the families of the slain officers.

Palm Springs police Chief Bryan Reyes was both solemn and determined as he called upon the public to be wary of what he said was a growing threat to police.

“The threat to law enforcement throughout our country is very real,” Reyes said. “No community is exempt from such a tragedy.”

Reyes referred to alleged shooter John Hernandez Felix as “the subject, because I refuse to identify him by name and he does not meet the definition of a man in my book.” He said Felix was part of an epidemic of violence against law enforcement that would be repeated if people did not begin recognizing the impending threat.

“Enough is enough. Our law enforcement brothers and sisters throughout the country are growing tired of this unacceptable behavior,” he said, which drew loud applause from those in attendance.

Palm Springs Mayor Robert Moon said the effect of losing two police officers loomed large in a city the size of Palm Springs.

“Our police officers are known to us,” Moon said. “They are not just our protectors. They are our friends.”

Bystanders lined city streets and freeway overpasses as the officers were transported to the convention center along via separate procession routes, Vega from Forest Lawn Mortuary in Cathedral City and Zerebny from the Ramona Bowl Amphitheater located in her hometown of Hemet.

Officers from outside agencies volunteered to handle the city’s police services so members of the Palm Springs Police Department could attend the double funeral. They were joined by law enforcement representatives from as far away as New York City.

Gov. Jerry Brown and state Attorney General Kamala Harris were among the dignitaries in attendance.

A graveside service for Vega will immediately follow at the Coachella Valley Public Cemetery. Zerebny’s graveside service will be held at a private location and will only be open to family members.

Vega, 63, was with the department for 35 years — five years past his retirement eligibility — and had planned to finish his career in December. He is survived by his wife and eight children.

Zerebny, 27, was with the department for a year and a half and was married to a sheriff’s deputy. She gave birth to a daughter four months ago and had just returned to duty from maternity leave.

The officers’ alleged killer was arrested by Riverside County sheriff’s deputies following a 12-hour standoff at his home. The 26-year-old ex-con faces felony charges, including murder and attempted murder, and special
circumstances allegations that make him eligible for the death penalty, though the District Attorney’s Office has yet to decide whether to seek capital punishment.

Some roads were closed in the area for their memorial services as thousands commuted to the Coachella Valley.

Palm Springs City Hall and all city facilities were closed from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in order for city staff to attend the memorial service. Officials said all essential emergency operations will remain open along with operations at Palm Springs International Airport.

Graveside honors for Officer Jose “Gil” Vega will take place immediately following the memorial service and will be held at the Coachella Valley Public Cemetery, located at 82925 Avenue 52 in Coachella, CA.

Graveside honors for Officer Lesley Zerebny will take place at a private location open to family members only.

Road Closures:

Palm Springs: From 7AM – 1PM – Alejo Road from Calle El Segundo to Avenida Caballeros; Hermosa from Amado Road to Tahquitz Canyon Way; Tahquitz Canyon Way closed to traffic between Calle Encilia and Hermosa; Calle Encilia between Amado Road and Tahquitz Canyon Way.

Coachella: A graveside service for Vega will follow at the Coachella Valley Public Cemetery. Roads will closed near the Coachella cemetery from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or when the service concludes.

The closures include:

Jackson Street between Celebration Drive and Avenue 53 Avenue 52 between Cahuilla Desert Academy and Calhoun Street

Parking Information for memorial service:

Law Enforcement Only: All marked and unmarked police vehicles requiring dedicated law enforcement parking for the Memorial Service:

Law Enforcement agencies arriving from Northern California, Los Angeles, San Diego and anywhere west of Palm Springs are asked to follow the following route for parking:

E/B I-10, exit SR Hwy 111 (becomes N. Palm Canyon) for Palm Springs
S/B SR Hwy 111 (N. Palm Canyon Drive) to Alejo Rd.
E/B Alejo Rd. to Ave. Caballeros.
Upon arriving at Alejo Rd. and Ave. Caballeros, LE will be directed to the appropriate parking locations.

Law Enforcement agencies arriving from east of Palm Springs are asked to follow the following route for parking:

Exiting Date Palm Drive or S Gene Autry Trail: Travel to Vista Chino and go W/B on Vista Chino to Sunrise Way.
S/B on Sunrise Way to Tahquitz Canyon Drive. W/B Tahquitz Canyon Drive to Calle El Segundo.

Public Parking:

Located in the parking lot of the Palm Springs Mall located at 2365 E Tahquitz Canyon Drive. Shuttles will be running to and from the location.

Government entities wishing to send a high ranking or executive official must contact Sgt. Harvey Reed – Government Affairs Liaison at 760-219-1598 or by email at harvey.reed@palmspringsca.gov. The Government Affairs Liaison is for dignitary requests only.

Outside Agencies who need additional information and can provide a total contingency number of officers from their respective agency are asked to call Sgt. William Hutchinson – Public Relations Officer at 760-902-6982 or by email at PSPDPIO@palmspringsca.gov.

KESQ and CBS Local 2 will have full live coverage of the memorial services on air and online as we continue to update you on the developing investigation.