Memorial Park dedicated to fallen officers
The Cathedral City Police Department unveiled a new Memorial Plaza named “The Protector,” on Saturday to honor those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The area features benches inscribed with the names of two officers who lost their lives in the line of duty over the city’s history, David Vasquez and Jermaine Gibson.
Vasquez was killed on Oct. 28, 1988 while directing traffic during an investigation. He was a six year veteran of the Cathedral City Police Department.
Gibson lost his life in a fiery crash on March 19, 2011 while pursuing a suspect. Gibson was a US Marine Corps Veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart. His bravery and sacrifice were recently recognized with a memorial tile in Grand Terrace, CA. He previously worked as a police officer in the City of Rialto. He left behind a wife, Jessica, and a newborn son, Jermaine Gibson, Jr.
The statue at the center of the plaza features an officer holding the hand of Jermaine Gibson, Jr. who is now seven years old. His mother says Jermain Jr. aspires to be a police officer like his father.
Download the KESQ & CBS Local 2 app on iTunes or Google Play for up-to-the-minute breaking news alerts & more
More: I-Team and Stands for You investigations
Find us on Facebook: KESQ News Channel 3 & CBS Local 2
Follow us on Twitter for breaking news updates: @KESQ & @Local2
We’re on Instagram! @KESQ_News_Channel_3 & @CBSLocal2
Noticias en español: Telemundo 15
