The retired Police Officers and employees of the Palm Springs Police Department are never forgotten. They are the ones that helped to shape this department into what it is today. Through this web site, the Palm Springs Police Officers’ Association hopes to always keep our retirees close to us and to keep them close to each other.

The Palm Springs Retired Police Officers and Employees meet the first Friday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at Elmers Pancake House, 1030 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264. The restaurant is owned by our very own retired Palm Springs Police Officer Fred Donnell.  If you need information on the monthly meetings, contact at 760-902-7007 or 760-409-6431.

The Palm Springs Retired Police Officers and Employees are having their 2008 Annual Reunion Dinner on Friday October 31st, 2008 at Cimarron Golf Resort, 67-603 30th Avenue, Cathedral City.  Cocktails are at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is at 6:30 p.m.  The buffet dinner is $30.00.  RSVP by October 15th to or .

Officers Mike Goodwin and George Palomares were retired from duty on September 1, 2008 for injuries sustained while in the line of duty.  They will both be sorely missed and we wish them the best of luck in their future plans.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they adjust to civilian life. 

Retired Police Officer Vern Tave (Vernon Tavoularis) passed away on Wednesday May 28, 2008 around 12:45 p.m. at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, California.  He suffered a series of heart attacks that began May 27.  Vern was hired by Palm Springs Police Department in September 1959 and retired in 1989 from injuries sustained on duty.  After his retirement , Vern continued to volunteer at the Palm Springs Police Department in the Detective Bureau until about 18 months ago.  Vern was 78 years of age.   The funeral was on Wednesday June 4, 2008 and Vern was then interned at Desert Memorial Park, Cathedral City, California.   We will miss you Vern. 

The following is an obituary provided by Gerry Caskey:

Vernon Peter Tavoularis

To some friends and co-workers known as Vern Tave, and to those special to him as Sir Malcolm Cool Breeze, aka Cool Breeze.

Vernon Tave was born in Venice Beach, California on March 9, 1930 and on May 28, 2008 Vernon journeyed with the Angels to celebrate his reunion with his beloved and adored Mother,  Bertha Andrews Tave, his twin siblings Muriel Tave Metheny and Tommy Tave,  his father Peter Tavoularis,  and his lifelong companion Bea Corey.

Vernon Tave served with distinction, dedication and unselfishness to the citizens of Palm Springs.  For 30 years, he was as a member of the Palm Springs Police Department from 1959 to 1989.  Prior to his service to the City of Palm Springs, Vernon Tave served his country in the United States Air Force.

Vernon Tave inspired family and friends with his charity, quick (and oft times sharp) wit, boundless sense of humor and his genuine and magical ability to bring out the best in life situations and people.  Vernon always lived his life tried and true.

He was proud of his country, of being an American Citizen. Vernon Tave was of that rare breed, an old fashioned Red, White & Blue, Stand Up Guy.

Vernon loved his native California, his longtime home in Palm Springs, summers at the beaches, northern mountains and lakes. He was an avid outdoorsman and friend to all he met and was cherished by.  After decades of world travel with family members and friends, he always remarked that the beauty and diversity of his native California compared to no other.

Vernon Tave is survived by his beloved and adoring nieces, Leslie Metheny Avriette, Lynn Metheny Caskey, nephews Mark Metheny, Tom Tave and Tim Tave, his grand nephews Eric Metheny Avriette, Jeremy Andrews Avriette, Travis James Caskey, grand nieces Jennifer Lynn Bean, Michelle Leslie Caskey, nephews-in-law Marc Avriette and Gerry Caskey, and never to be forgotten, his valued and trusted best of friends Gary Boswell.

The Family asks that in lieu of flowers, any donations be directed to the Palm Springs Police Officers’ Memorial Foundation, Attention: Melissa Desmarais, Treasurer, PO Box 1671, Palm Springs, Ca. 92263, in Memory of Fallen Officers.  Any questions regarding donations can be directed to Gerry Caskey, 760-309-2474. The Family and Friends of Vern Tave are grateful to your considerations.

Photo courtesy of Heidi Farrance and Gerald Fitzsimmons