By Police1 Staff
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Monday morning, Vanessa Vega returned to school with more than a dozen police officers there to make sure her day started great.
Vanessa’s father, Officer Jose “Gil” Vega, was killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call two weeks ago, and the officers of the Palm Springs Police Department wanted his daughter to know they’ll always support her.
“It is a very tragic time for her. We can’t walk away. She has a whole new family to rely on,” Sgt. William Hutchinson told The Desert Sun.
Hutchinson said more officers wanted to be there for Vanessa’s first day back, but the department had to limit how many showed up to avoid causing traffic problems.
“If we can put a little bit of happiness or joy or comfort in her life, we will help her,” Hutchinson said. “It’s really important for the family that we show our support.”