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September 17, 2008

Lesbian Police Officer Among Victims of L.A. Train Crash

Lesbian Police Officer Among Victims of L.A. Train Crash

Among the 25 people who perished on Friday when a commuter train crashed head-on with a freight train in a Los Angeles suburb was a lesbian LAPD officer.

Spree Desha, 35, was riding home from Los Angeles Police Department headquarters downtown when the Metrolink train she was on crashed at about 4:30 p.m. in the Chatsworth section of the city. Hours after the crash, Desha's body was carried out of the train draped by an American flag as fellow police officers and rescue personnel saluted her.

A strong, quiet presence, Desha was loved by her fellow officers and train riders. She proudly wore her uniform on the train to reassure riders that they were under the watchful eye of the police.

Desha -- a patrol officer since 2001, first in North Hollywood and then downtown Los Angeles -- was a standout presence in the LAPD, and many believed she had a big future in the department. Desha earned 34 formal commendations in her personnel record. Many fellow police officers recalled how Desha spearheaded a cancer fund-raiser where she shaved off her hair to raise money for research.

At a recent press conference, Desha's parents told the media about the love their daughter had for her job and for helping people. Desha's partner, Laura Gerritsen, also spoke. "She would do anything for anybody," Gerritsen said of Desha. "She was such a giver -- she didn't have a bone of hate in her body." (Neal Broverman, The Advocate) 

Reader Comments

These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

  • Name: Julie Phineas
    Date posted: 2008-10-30 4:04 PM
    Hometown: Carson

    Comment:

    This is very sad. Does anybody know what happened to her partner? I heard that she would lose their home. I would like to help if someone could pass me that info.


  • Name: Carol
    Date posted: 2008-09-17 12:52 PM
    Hometown: MO

    Comment:

    Our sympathy to Officer Desha and her partner; her family, and friends. She was a great example for all of us.


  • Name: Roger Burr
    Date posted: 2008-09-17 12:49 PM
    Hometown: Marble Hill, MO

    Comment:

    A true hero, in every sense of the word. God grant her a happy rest and comfort her surviving partner and all those she left behind. LGBT persons such as she are demonstrating to the straight community that we are just as good citizens as they are.


  • Name: Tom DiCioccio
    Date posted: 2008-09-16 9:49 PM
    Hometown: San Diego

    Comment:

    What you failed to mention is that her partner is not only another LAPD officer, but she was on duty at the time of the accident, and was part of the first responders. (according to a live am news radio interview, KNX am 1070 am Los Angeles monday 9/15 @ 2:45 pm) Tom DiCioccio San Diego


  • Name: Kevin Olomon
    Date posted: 2008-09-16 6:13 PM
    Hometown: Bloomington, Illinois/Fairbanks, Alaska

    Comment:

    Deep, warm, hearfelt condolences to Officer Desha's partner, parents, co-workers, community, and other loved ones. Clearly she was valued, loved and will be sorely missed. What an American!


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