Police Officer Completes 50-Mile Run Honoring Fallen Law Enforcement Officers

PALM SPRINGS, CA - A Palm Springs police officer celebrated his 50th birthday by completing a 50-mile run Friday in memory of two colleagues slain in the line of duty, as well as to honor other officers, firefighters and soldiers who daily put their lives on the line.

Officer Joe Cook began the trek around the Palm Springs High School track in full uniform at 5 a.m. Thursday and completed the feat just before 3:30 Friday morning.

Cook's run was dedicated to Jose "Gilbert" Vega and Lesley Zerebny, who were gunned down Oct. 8 while responding to a domestic disturbance call in Palm Springs.

Cook, who is president of the Palm Springs Police Officers Association, invited locals and fellow law enforcement officers to join him. Many showed up throughout the day -- and night -- to jog or run at least a few of the 200 or so laps Cook completed early Friday morning.

"I would like to personally thank every officer, firefighter, soldier, along with your families, for the job you do and the sacrifices you make on a daily basis," Cook said in a message to his law enforcement brethren prior to the run. "Every day when you put on that uniform, you risk your lives for your communities and our nation. Your job isn't an easy one and I appreciate you for that."

– By City News Service