Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Simmons, i'm sorry for what happened to you on that night 17 years ago, as you did not deserve it, and the man that took your life was overall a cruel human being. From what i read about your case and the shooting that took your life, i read that the reason as to why that individual did what he did that night was because he snapped, and that he lost himself over time due to the fact it wasn't his first rodeo, as he was in and out of trouble with the law before this tragedy occured. I learned that the reason as to what caused his downfall and why he snapped, was because his mother passed as a child, but even then it still does not justify what he did. There could've been so many outcomes, but murdering your family members along with a SWAT Officer is not one of them. I would usually say something negative about the suspect that took your life, but what i will say is that he got what was coming to him as he was shot down by a sniper just hours after you were violently killed, which means that he will no longer hurt or bother anyone else again, and that you and the rest of the family he killed have been avenged in death. I'm not sure who the sniper was that killed the suspect, but thanks to him, he got rid of somebody who was clearly down the wrong path and was in a deep pit of despair, resulting in what he did that night. In cases like these, you ask yourself so many questions about it; Like what was going on through his head that made him snap and lose control? And why did he think hurting his own family and police would fix anything? Though i can't personally answer those questions, i do know that wherever the suspect went after he was killed is between him and God, as only God can judge him. But for now, i'd like to look into the positive aspect of things; For one, you were a police officer for almost 30 years, meaning you spent 27 years of your life protecting and serving others in the state of California, where Cali is known to be one of the most active and dangerous states in America, but i'm sure the danger didn't bother you since you were never one to back down when it came to dangerous situations since you were a really good SWAT officer. From what i learned, i learned that you were one of the well-respected and decorated officers in your department, along with the fact you were a mentor to others in your team, meaning that you weren't just an officer, but you were also a teacher and counselor to those who needed it, which i know is only the tip of the iceberg as to how good you were as a man and as a police officer. To be an officer in one of the most dangerous states, especially back in the day where there was riots and chaos going on in the 90s, and knowing that you were there and saw it all demonstrates your bravery and how much courage you had, to wake up each morning knowing you would leave your family to face danger and see things no person can comprehend is phenomenal, and even in your last moments you fought till the end as you faced danger head on and showed no fear, and if that doesn't show even a portion of your bravery and dedication, i'm not sure what will. On another subject, i'm sure your children have since grown up to learn and know that their father was truly a one-of-a-kind, and that you were a legend in the community which explains the amount of people who knew you and honored you for the things you did in your career, meaning that people could go home safely knowing that veteran officers like you were watching and protecting them. There's alot things i could say about this case and your death, but the thing that's stuck with me is the fact that the suspect was at his breaking point, and that nobody was there to help him, and if he did get help, there was a demon in him that fully took over him and made him go down that spiral of madness. I think what he did to you was absoultely senseless, cruel, and extremely violent, and that he should've been executed on the spot from the other SWAT members, but thankfully a sniper was the one who put him down and ended the standoff. I think with society, especially now in today's world, people have gone so far as to resorting to violence and harming others instead of trying to prevent it or helping them, and this isn't new either. As sad and bad as it is, we can't really do much other than giving advice and talking them out of doing what they plan to do which is to harm others and take their anger out on those who do not deserve it, and even if we do that they'll still wanna do it, and if i had to say anything, i'd say it's because they got something inside them taking over and making them lose themselves in the process. On a different note, the second officer who was with you also got shot, but he survived, meaning that he lived to tell the tale, although i wish i could say the same for you Mr. Simmons, but what i will say is that you went out like a true hero, and you knew the drill and the danger you would be facing and being challenged with, and you faced it anyway. I do personally believe that with you being a SWAT officer for so many years, it gave you everything you had in you at the time, which was the amount of bravery and skills you acquired in your time, which explains why you were never one to cower in fear, but to also destroy evil and never make peace with it. Although i never personally knew or met you, with me being only a year old at the time of your passing, i can tell that even i could've met you and learned from you, and to know that you were a true definition of a selfless and brave servant to the public, and that you were a sheepdog to those who were incapable of fighting back. Overall, you were more than just a police/SWAT officer, but you were a good husband, father, son, brother, and a figure to those around you who knew you, and i'm sure that even those who never met you could tell that you were the type of person who would pull someone out from the line of danger had danger came creeping up, and that you would take care of it by showing them that no weapon formed against you shall prosper, which is said in Isaiah 54:17, and i'm sure that's one quote from the bible that defined you in one way or the other, though i'm sure there is more to it. Although it's been a measly 17 years since you were unrightfully taken away and ripped away from your friends and family, i know that the people of California and the people of LA are honored to know that you were once there roaming the streets in your patrol car ensuring the public's safety, and getting the bad people off the road and off the streets, as California is well known for its drug and gun issues, and i'd like to know that you took care of that well, and that you did your part in ensuring not just public safety, but also leaving your impact on those around you as you were those type of men who would demonstrate what it meant to protect and serve the right way, and that even your sacrifice and story influences and impacts others in alot of ways, but it's mostly in a positive way. Even now, your sacrifice and impact is still felt even today, which goes to show that your almost 30 years of law enforcement experience has paid off tremendously well, and that although we can't change the past, it appears that God has requested your assistance in Heaven and that he has recruited you as one of his warrior angels to protect and defend those from harm; Meaning that people like your wife, children, parents, and your siblings can go on with no fear as you're spiritually protecting them and preventing any harm that they don't know of from occuring, just like how you did with your time on LAPD and how you did your time of service to everyone in both the city and the streets. As of now, may you rest in peace knowing that your service is highly cherished, and that your sacrifice will never be forgotten, no matter how much time passes and goes on, and that your name will forever be said and remembered, and that your children have since carried on your legacy as they continue on in life, knowing that it's what you would've wanted as they know you wouldn't want them to give up, and just like you, you never once gave up out of fear as you were a true fighter. One thing i do believe is that as long as your name is said and that you're remembered, you aren't truly dead or gone as you live on in the hearts and minds of others, and that you live on and shine through your kids, as they're a textbook definition of who you were and that your legacy will continue for generations within your family. As for the person who took your life however, there's a special spot in hell for him since he was consumed by so much wrath and violence, until he eventually snapped and did what he did that day, and that by the looks of it, even if he got the help he needed and whatnot, it looks like he was far too gone. Despite that however, it doesn't change the fact you were truly an Angel sent down to earth by God to demonstrate his love and fearlessness, and the fact that no matter what happens or how long it's been since you've passed, you will never be forgotten. Rest Well Mr. Simmons

Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line

September 4, 2025

We honored Randy yesterday at CrossFit Salt in Brunswick GA. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Jamie -CrossFit Salt

May 13, 2025

My childhood mentor, Randy Simmons, was a LAPD officer and SWAT team member. He had brought it (career in law enforcement) up in church and when I got interested, he talked with me about it. Sadly, Officer Simmons died in the line of duty on a LAPD SWAT call out in 2008.



https://www.sjvc.edu/blog/grad-qa-with-criminal-justice-corrections-graduate-keishawn-abney/

Keishawn Abney

May 17, 2023

Randy and my father Jack Davenport Jr. were close friends. They went through the police academy together and remained friends during their 20+ years of protecting and serving the people of Los Angeles. I remember my younger brother having to complete a school assignment about careers and aspirations. His childhood dream was to become a LAPD SWAT Officer. Our Dad took us down to the South Traffic Division Police Station and introduced us to Randy Simmons. Randy had brought all kinds of SWAT gear, tools, and equipment to assist my brother with his project. Officer Simmons was very kind, patient and helpful that morning. The department needs more Officers like Randy.
Randy and my Dad "The Godfather" of motors "3-Mary-7" are both greatly missed. May their service and sacrifice never be forgotten.

Brandon Davenport

July 6, 2022

I didn’t know Officer Simmons but read about his death the day it happened. I work for Bakersfield PD about 100 miles north. The following day 2/9/08 I was shot twice on duty and nearly killed. I have no doubt that God and all the other Blue Angels who have fallen protected me that night. RIP Hero, we will maintain the watch.

Sergeant Bakersfield Police, Ca Dennis E
Bakersfield Police CA

February 8, 2022

I didn’t know Officer Simmons but read about his death the day it occurred. I work for Bakersfield PD about 100 miles north of LA. The following day February 9,2008 I was shot twice on duty and survived with the protection of God, as well as the countless other blue angels like Officer Simmons. RIP hero we will maintain the watch down here.

Sergeant Bakersfield Police, Ca Dennis E
Bakersfield Police CA

February 8, 2022

Rest in peace, Randy. You will always be remembered.

Fellow SWAT officer
Los Angeles Police Department

February 7, 2022

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

February 7, 2021

I came across a video of your funeral today Officer Simmons. Please know you aren’t forgotten. Thousands of your fellow law enforcement officers still hold the line in your memory and the memory of every fallen law enforcement officer in this country. Rest in peace.

Police Officer Kevin Shum
Stockton School Police

July 11, 2020

Randy,
You are an Los Angeles Police Department legend and the legacy that you left behind is a constant reminder of the cop that you were. I am reminded of the quote, "What we do in this life, echoes in eternity." You are appreciated by so many people who had the honor to meet you and by those who heard of you. God bless you and your family. KMA 367

Sgt. R. Alvarez #26529
LAPD retired

May 9, 2020

RIP Ofcr Simmons. We will never forget your service and sacrifice

Deputy Sheriff Los Angeles
County Sheriff

February 7, 2020

Thank you for your protection and commitment to the disadvantaged youth of LA

Senior Constable (Ret)
NSW Police Tactical Operations Unit

October 12, 2019

Officer Randal David Simmons will never ever be forgotten.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired.
New York State Police

August 10, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Simmons.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 7, 2019

So sorry for this loss of a good man and Officer. RIP Brother

Capt. J.E.Ackerman
City of Vista FD

February 13, 2018

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

February 7, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 10th anniversary of your EOW. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

February 7, 2018

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 21, 2017

We have not forgotten you sir, God Bless.

TROOPER
Arizona State Troopers

August 12, 2017

Randy, you will never be forgotten, and I will never forget that I couldn't be there in your moment of need.

P-3+1 Chuck Wohlfeiler
LAPD Swat, retired

February 20, 2017

Godspeed Brother. Another cowardly and senseless attack on our brothers in blue. Continue to rest in God's place and watch over your loving family.

Lieutenant Ray Flores (Ret.)
N.Y.P.D.

February 7, 2017

Not a day goes by...

Policeman Randy Walker
Los Angeles Police Department

August 11, 2016

We are all hurt by the senseless murders of five Dalllas police officers. I visited their pages and somehow was led to this page. My wife passed away last year. She was only 44. Although I am devastated by her loss, certain events in my life have occurred that tell me that she is still with me and our children. She belived in God and his son, and we would pray together. Randal Simmons may not be here physically, but he is still serving God and still serving us here on earth. Reading about Randal Simmons makes me want to be a better person. Thank you sir! God's grace and glory are eternal. The enemy will be vanquished and death will utterly be destroyed. Life on earth is short and We will all be together in heaven one day. Randal, one day I will find you and this Air Force veteran will stand at attention and give you the military salute that you have earned. Don't be surprised if I start chewing your ear about football and that goofy SWAT reality show that I watched on TV. Keep up the good work Randal!
Love and blessings
David G.

David Goldman

July 11, 2016

Rest in Peace

K.Brooks
Houston Police Dept.

June 16, 2016

You were such a blessing to this city and your legacy continues to be an inspiration to so many of us.

Ofcr Cooper
LAPD

May 17, 2015