Motorcyclists ride through the valley for fallen PSPD officers memorial
A memorial procession of motorcyclists rode across the valley Saturday in remembrance of fallen Palm Springs Police Department officers Jose Gil Vega and Lesley Zerebny, raising thousands of dollars for charity.
More than 100 motorcyclists took to the streets, starting with a tribute at the Palm Springs Police Station and stopping at police stations across the valley, ending with a poker tournament at Spa Casino Resort in Palm Springs.
“What was understood is all the love that you have for all the fallen that left it all on the field for everybody we serve every day. ,” said Chief of Police Bryan Reyes at the service.
Riders said they were eager to show their support.
“I just feel like when a community comes together it makes it worth it,” said motorcyclist Nancy Melton.
Melton pointed out some of the highlights of the ride.
“You get to run red lights and the police lights coming up behind you aren’t after you,” she said.
One of the stops along the way was the football field at Palm Springs High School, where a young cheerleading squad and several local businesses donated money they raised.
The motorcycles took a lap around the track as the cheerleaders and reps from Marcas Cantina, The Slice and JT’s Diner presented checks totaling more than $5,000.
“We have made it our pledge every year to continue to give back and remember what happened,” said Jack Strebnik, co-owner of the restaurants. “These people are out there to save our lives and be there when we need them.”
Sgt. Miguel Torres said he’s grateful for the outpouring of support.
“We’re all adults we like being cared for and we do a tough job,” he said. “And it just shows that people out there still care for us and care for the work that we do because ultimately it benefits us all.”
“It takes these tragic incidents to remember what it is that we do and why we do it but it also reminds us that we’re here for the community,” Torres said.
And while it’s too soon to say how much money was raised, a foundation has pledged to match the first $10,000. That money will go toward the Palm Springs Police Memorial Foundation, which helps children of fallen officers pay for college.
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