Fallen officers honored by Palm Springs Human Rights Commission

Slain officer Lesley Zerebny was honored by the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission Monday afternoon.

Zerebny’s husband, Zachary Zerebny, was on hand to accept the award on her behalf.

I want the community to see our everyday heroes,” Palm Springs Human Rights Commission chair Wes Rankins said about the recipients.

At Palm Springs City Hall, a room full of volunteers and humanitarians rose to their feet as families of officers Jose Gilbert Vega and Lesley Zerebny accepted community service awards after the officers died while on duty.

“Both officers in the line of duty were people who really upheld that right. We wanted to honor them and show their families how much we appreciated their service,” Palm Springs Human Rights commissioner Sam Ciraulo said.

The commission honored nine recipients for their community service “promoting universal human rights close to home.”

“As terrible as the situation is it’s pretty incredible seeing the reaction from the community,” Zachary Zerebny said.

It’s a reminder Zerebny’s husband says how much the community loved his wife.

“It’s an emotional thing but Lesley loved this community. She loved being out here doing what she did working for this city in the community,” Zerebny said.

It also helps remember who she was.

“It’s just an honor. Another way to honor her. We hope she’s looking down smiling,” Zerebny said.

After the awards, Zerebny’s daughter, Cora, and Vega’s daughter, Vanessa, played while other in the room celebrated those honored.