Fallen PSPD officers families in Dallas for ambush anniversary
In a powerful show of support– officers statewide— from Houston…. to the Dallas suburbs flashed their lights at the same time today to honor a department– a city– still grieving.
“If you can imagine, the skyline of the city of Dallas,” said David Kling, speaking on the phone to CBS Local 2’s Brooke Beare on Friday evening. “I’m standing here right now, looking at it, numerous buildings are outlined in thin blue lines. It’s inspiring.”
Kling is the father of slain Palm Springs Police Officer Lesley Zerebny, who was killed in the line of duty on Oct. 8, 2016, alongside her training officer, Gil Vega.
“It means a lot to us, that Dallas, as they are going through the year anniversary of their loss, thought of us, invited us to come, and are honoring our loss as well,” said Kling.
“All of us were on the same flight. The Vegas, Zack (Zerebny, Lesley’s widower) and myself and baby Cora (Lesley’s infant daughter), and (Palm Springs Police) Chief (Bryan) Reyes,” explained Kling.
“You look at the people around you and you realize that we’ve joined a family. A family that no one wants to be a part of,” he reflected.
Four of Vega’s children are in Dallas this weekend– Isaac, Gil’s only son, along with Yvette, Gloria, and Vanessa, 9.
Interim Chief David Pughes now heads the Dallas Police Department… Four of his officers were killed by an Army veteran who opened fire during a peaceful protest a year ago Friday.
“I think every employee regardless of their involvement is affected and changed as a result of it,” said Pughes.
Across Dallas, a “Weekend of Honor” is underway to mark the first anniversary. It will include a tribute outside city hall and a blue light ceremony. and a motorcycle ride on Saturday.
“One of the Dallas police officers is going to loan me a motorcycle to ride with them,” said Kling. “Then on Sunday is the weekend of honor awards where Lesley and Gil are going to get Medal of Achievements,” he said.
“We just take it one day at a time,” said Kling, “and that’s all we can do.”
The families of officers Vega and Zerebny visited AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, while in Dallas this weekend.
Vega’s daughter said her father was a Cowboys fan, and their family was planning a trip to Dallas so her father could see a Cowboys game after he retired.
She said it was a bittersweet moment for her, but a dream come true for them to see the stadium.
She said she just wished her father was alive to experience it with her.
