Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

As I sat on the bed waiting to hear from the press conference what officers had been killed I screamed at the top of my voice when I heard the news. I then began to reflect on a man. A strong man who in my opinion was Mr. LAPD. I can remember his strong muscular body busting out of his uniform...that nice smile and encouraging words...thank you for being what i could not...an outstanding officer and someone to remember!
RIP!!!

Williams P2 resigned

February 10, 2008

A decade ago I lived in LA for a few short years and made many friends in the LAPD. Years have passed since I left the City of Angels but I try to keep up with the latest news of my beloved former department and city. In the years since I left the LAPD, several LAPD officers have been killed and injured in the line of duty. Some of those officers were former colleagues and friends and their deaths were deeply mourned by me in private.

However, the tragic death of Officer Simmons has had a prfound impact on me. I did not know Officer Simmons and I am pretty sure our paths never crossed. I am extremely saddened by the fact that this great man was taken from his family, his community, his church, and his department. I can't even begin to imagine the pain they must all be going through. I find solace in knowing that his family is sorrounded by their church, his friends and colleagues, and the strong backing of the community.

Thank you Officer Simmons for your sacrifice and I wish I weren't typing these difficult words. You will not be forgotten, somewhere out there in LA there are children whom you mentored and nurtured who will grow up honoring your legacy. They will grow up to become police officers, firefighters, doctors, lawyers, teachers, community activists, civic leaders, and church members. They will pass on your memory to their children and grandchildren and generations will be forever thankful for the time and effort you put into giving back to your community.

To his beloved family, no words can ease your pain at this moment. I sincerely offer you my condolences and I find comfort in knowing that you have strong faith in God.

To the Glory Kids, honor this man by following in his footsteps. Not everyone can be an LAPD SWAT officer, but we can all become better citizens. Honor his legacy, never forget Officer Simmons and what he stood for.

To the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department and his tight-knit family from "D" Platoon, few beyond his immediate family feel the same pain you are feeling. I offer my sincere condolences.

To all of us in law enforcement, we always hear the same cliches when one of us is killed in the line of duty: "Hero", "Honorable", "Courageous", "Leader", and "Caring", "Committed". There are no cliches here. Officer Simmons was what we should all strive to be: an unbelivable cop deeply committed to God, his family, and his community. Let's honor his legacy by trying to live our lives more like he lived his.

To his community and church, Officer Simmon's death will leave an undeniable void. This great church and community leader is irreplecable but hopefully somewhere out there is someone who can step up and try to fill that void.

To the City of Angels, America shares your grief with you. May other communities accross this great nation be as fortunate to one day have someone like Officer Simmons amongst them.

To Officer Simmons, thank you for your life dedicated to public service and your community. I pledge from this day on to become a better public servant and give something back to my community. I pledge to become a better father and husband. I pledge to be more of a mentor to those less fortunate. I pledge to be more like you.

Rest in Peace, sir, your death has had a profound impact on many. Imagine the impact that your life had in those fortunate enough to have known you.

Former LA resident

February 10, 2008

I live my life by 2 rules, LET NO ONE OR NOTHING STEAL MY JOY AND DON'T BE ANGRY OVER THINGS I CAN'T CONTROL!

Randy, When I walked into work Thursday morning and Sgt. Mika informed me of what had transpired over night, those 2 rules were blown away!

My heart felt prayers for strength go out to the Simmons Family, my former partners and co-workers in Metropolitan Division especially in D-Platoon, my follow brothers and sisters in blue and all those who were blessed with having known Randy.

REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER!

Police Officer Anthony Ellis #22603
LAPD / Former C-Platoon Member

February 10, 2008

Officer Simmons, family and friends,
My team watched the events at the start of our training day with deep sadness.
We lost one of our own almost a year ago to a line of duty traffic accident, and no matter how far away it always seems to hit very close to home when a brother/sister officer goes down in the line of duty, my thoughts are with you, your family, and your coworkers.
Thank you for your service, dedication, and from what I have read about you, your leadership....you must have been one hell of a man. I only wish more of us could have known you, I am sure that you made your part of the world a much better place just by being yourself.
Godspeed sir, please look for STW, I am sure you two will enjoy each other up there.

Romper

Deputy Keith Romp
Des Moines Metro SWAT

February 10, 2008

Randy, It was a true pleasure to have worked with you for almost a dozon years. No matter how things were going in the platoon, you were always there to give your support and words of wisdom. You are a true hero not only to the department but to thousands of others who flocked to you. I still can't believe that the lord took you from us but like you always told me, "God has plans for all of us". I guess god needed you now. Please look over all of us. I will never forget you Randy. Thank you for everything you did. Im sure that you and louie have already hooked up and you both are laughing at the wild stories we use to share. RANDY SIMMONS: A TRUE SAINT. EOW: 2/7/08

Detective Joe Rios (LAPD/SWAT 96-07)
LAPD

February 10, 2008

I never met you, but we all bleed blue. Rest in Peace, God Bless Brother.

Corporal M. Hall
Richmond Police Department Richmond CA

February 10, 2008

On Thursday,February 7, 2008, we loss a partner, friend, husband, father, son, brother, and minister. Yes, Randy was a humble warrior with a love for God, family, and his job.

My condolences to his immediate family stand proud for Randy is in a better place looking down and protecting us from above. To my extended family at LAPD, we must carry on the mission and honor Randy by being the best, we can be.

Randy you will not be forgotten!

Respectfully submitted by,

Mo Landrum

Sergeant II Maurice Landrum Ret
Los Angeles Police Department

February 10, 2008

Rest in Peace, you will never be forgotten. Its ok, We have the watch from here, be with God. You have given what we would have given for you.

Loyalty above all else.
Mike.

Deputy Sheriff M. Leonardi
VCSO

February 10, 2008

Rest In Peace Brother Officer. My you go to your final resting place knowing that the one who took your life was terminated by a fellow SWAT teammate. My condolences to your family and the LAPD.

PO Fred Nordt
Lake Success PD, Long Island, NY

February 10, 2008

Officer Simmons,
Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. You and your family are in our prayers. Rest Easy Brother!

Dep Paul Sperandeo Ofc Amy Sperandeo
Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office, Gretna Police Dept. LA

February 10, 2008

My prayers are with you, your family and your "Hero's" fellow brother & sisters in law enforcement. I don't think anyone can express our feelings or describe this husband, father, and officer better than Lt. Rabe did. My family feels your pain, we lost our "Hero" 6/16/06, and it still hurts. I can tell you the pain eases but it doesn't go away. Know that God is with you and that "your HERO" is an angel in God's army. I do recommend getting involved in the organization COPS, my sister did and it helps. Always remember that the brothers and sisters of LAPD are there for you and don't be afraid to ask for a shoulder if you need one. I will keep you in my prayers.

"HEROS LIVE FOREVER"

Jeanne Hoffmann
Sister-in-law of
Capt. Octavio "OX" Gonzalez EOW 6-16-06
St John the Baptist Sheriff's Dept

February 10, 2008

To the Simmons family and all of his brother operators,
Please know, and in some small way, may it help bring you comfort and strength; that our prayers are with you, and will remain with you, until your hearts have mended. God Bless you all.

Sergeant
Brunswick, Maine Special Response Team

February 10, 2008

There are no words that can be said to comfort or console your grieving family. You are loved and respected by your family, friends and associates world wide. You are missed and will continue to be missed by all. Rest in peace.

LAPD Officer
Fellow Brother

February 10, 2008

LAPD SWAT has always been the original and the leaders in the field. We have always strived to emulate your team.

Thanks for being a leader and for setting a fine example for the rest of us SWAT operators. You have not died in vain.

"JD". Police Officer/SWAT team member in Massachusetts

February 10, 2008

Officer Simmons,
You are a true hero. Rest in peace brother, you will never be forgotten.

Sgt Nyce
Broward Sheriff Office

February 10, 2008

What a terrible tragic loss of someone so obviously dedicated to his job and those he served.

My prayers and condolences to Randy's loved ones and friends. Rest easy brother.

Constable Amanda Sherman (Pandolfi)
York Regional Police, Ontario

February 10, 2008

God bless the family of this hero. I am so truly sorry for the loss of this hero.

LEO MOM

February 10, 2008

February 9, 2008
Temecula, California

Dear Simmons Family,

I cannot begin to describe in words how deeply saddened my wife Patty and I were to learn of your tragic loss. I know any offer of condolence at this so very difficult time is inadequate and any words we offer cannot stem the overwhelming grief you must be feeling.

I will instead offer to you my thoughts of Randy. I did not know him but I know the kind of man he was. To be an LAPD Officer and SWAT team professional he simply had to be the best. I do not know why God takes the best; I just know it is part of His Plan.

I also believe that Randy was the “rock“ that you depended upon, a devoted husband and a loving father. I can assure you that as a husband and father, every day I thank God for my wife and children and pray that He protects them from harm. I know in my heart that Randy, as a husband and father, said a similar prayer for his family every day.

We do not know why God allows bad things to happen to good people, but I believe He was there with Randy on that awful night, and later He was with him at the hospital. I believe that Randy is with Him now and is happy in His radiant eternal love. I also believe the Lord is with you and your children now and will be, always.

My wish for you is, may the ache in your heart ease. May the love of your children, your family and friends sustain you. May the cherished memory of Randy’s deep abiding love bring you comfort.

My prayer for your family is this: "May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."

With love and affection,

Joe Rabe
LT. Long Beach Police Department (ret)

Lt. Joe Rabe
Long Beach Police Department (ret)

February 10, 2008

Our thoughts & prayers go out to you all. Rest Easy.

Cindy, Arkansas
Sister of slain Officer Randy Basnett, eow 9/24/1976

February 10, 2008

God's speed Brother in Blue.You will be missed.

Officer Stan Speaks Badge#2164
Columbus Ohio Div Of Police

February 10, 2008

no one understands what a cops life is like and no one know what its like to lose a cop other then the cops family
god bless you and your family may you rest in peace my brother patrolman paul bradley fmpd and son of retired
lasd deputy sheriff

patrolman paul e bradley
fort monmouth police department nj

February 10, 2008

SIR, My prayers are with you and your family/fellow cops. May we all meet one day. Thank you Randy for all you did for all of us.

Officer RM Taylor
US DOJ

February 10, 2008

I never knew Randy Simmons, but his recent death has troubled me deeply. The senseless loss of such a wonderful man is disturbing and so sad. My feelings about the loss of Randy Simmons have taken me off-guard and have stirred me to the core of my soul. When I see his face on the news and hear all that he has done for the community, tears of anger and sadness for all of those who loved him pour out of my eyes. Like the death of Princess Diana, it is so unfair. We need our angels here on earth. There aren’t enough of them, like Randy Simmons. Though I never knew him, I won’t forget him.

Kellie Nicholson
Citizen

February 10, 2008

MY WIFE, AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEND OUR CONDOLANCES TO THE FAMILY OF OFFICER SIMMONS. I'VE BEEN RETIRED FOR 20 YEARS NOW, AND IT STILL BOTHERS ME WHEN I HEAR OF AN BROTHER OFFICER LOSING HIS LIFE IN THE LINE OF DUTY.
GOD BLESS YOU RANDY, YOUR FAMILY, AND YOUR LAPD FAMILY. OUR HEARTS, AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.

JOHN CARR
RET. WILMINGTON PD, WILM. DE.

February 10, 2008

R.I.P. Brother you died doing what you Loved to do. God Bless your family. You won't be forgotten.

Deputy Sheriff Neil S.
LASD

February 10, 2008