Police Officer Lesley Zerebny | Police Officer Jose Gilbert Vega

Just hours after participating in a community gathering I saw the news....

I'd been at a gathering where people had come out to tell area law enforcement officers they are appreciated; that we care; that their lives matter. As with so many events I attend, it was emotional to see the love from local citizens, watch little interactions between individuals, and stand together with others who support our cops.

  

And then, after a few hours away from the news, my phone and Facebook, sickening news from the west coast began to emerge. I'm heartbroken for the family of a hero so close to retirement that they could almost touch it; mourning for the child of a young police officer who will now grow up only knowing mom through pictures. I hate that now, without ever knowing these two people, we can instantly recognize their names.

I know nothing is ever promised; I realize this fragile life we live can be taken away and ended at any time. But the silence of our society, and it's continued refusal to back our men and women in law enforcement, it's deafening and chilling. When do we start caring again?

"We are heart-broken to inform you of the loss of Police Officer Lesley Zerebny and Police Officer Gil Vega, of the Palm Springs (California) Police Department. They were both killed, and a third officer wounded, today while responding to a domestic disturbance call. Officer Zerebny just returned to duty from maternity leave and Officer Vega was set to retire in December after 35 years of service. Please hold these two heroes, their families, and their fellow officers in your thoughts and prayers. " (Via the Officer Down Memorial Page)


Police Officer Lesley Zerebny
Palm Springs Police Department, California
End of Watch: Saturday, October 8, 2016

Police Officer Jose Gilbert Vega
Palm Springs Police Department, California
End of Watch: Saturday, October 8, 2016


I don't know anymore where we are headed or how our society will ever begin to reclaim what has been lost.  Rest at peace, brave heroes - we hold your families close in our thoughts and prayers; we will remember your sacrifice. I just wish America would do better.

"Life on Delmarva" • #delmarvausa