Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the lives of Palm Springs Officers Jose ``Gil'' Vega and Lesley Zerebny and to support the incredible law enforcement officers in my district. It is important to tell their story and forever record their heroism in our national Record. Officers Vega and Zerebny were, tragically, shot and killed in the line of duty last month while responding to what seemed like a routine domestic disturbance in Palm Springs, California. Officer Vega lived by the mantra of ``To Serve and Protect.'' He graduated from Indio High School and joined the force in Palm Springs in 1982. He was always witty, quick to tell a joke and to offer guidance to new officers. He was an inspiration to friends, family, and countless people who knew him. The day he died, he was only 2 months away from retiring after 35 years of service. He volunteered to pick up a shift on that day--on his day off. He is survived by his wife, Susana, nine children, and many grandchildren. Officer Lesley Zerebny was new to the force, with a lifetime of service. She showed a passion for law enforcement and service her entire life, no doubt inherited from her father, a California Highway Patrol officer. She was raised in Hemet, California, and attended West Valley High School. As a young girl, she always stood up to bullies to protect others and for justice. She was also known for her pranks and her fun-loving spirit. Officer Zerebny was a mother of a 4-month-old daughter, Cora.…”