82 LAPD officers were honored at inaugural Purple heart ceremony in Los Angeles today

Eighty-two LAPD officers were honored Thursday at the first Purple Heart ceremony, recognizing officers for their acts of bravery that resulted in injury or death.

The event at the J.W. Marriott in downtown LA highlighted 72 incidents of bravery since 1921.

The honorees included Detective Arleigh McCree and Officer Ronald Ball, who were killed trying to save fellow officers while attempting to diffuse a bomb; Officer Tina Kerbrat, the first female to be killed in the line of duty; and Officer Randy Simmons, the first SWAT team member killed in the line of duty.

Simmons’ widow, Lisa Simmons said this is an important day for all of the officers who gave their lives to make our city safe.

“Their sacrifice must be remembered,” she said.

Simmons was killed in February 2008 during an operation in Winnetka. He and his partner were attempted to apprehend a gunman when they were both shot.

Simmons also was an ordained minister who worked with at-risk youths. A Reseda park was named after Simmons in 2009.

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the recipients and families of victims were present Thursday. The mayor commended Chief Beck on his leadership of the department.

“When you get to know Charlie Beck, the one thing you get to know about him, is that he eats, breathes, drinks this blue uniform that many of you work in, day in and day out,” he said. “He’s absolutely committed.”

Chief Beck gave his thoughts on the officers who work for him and for the city of Los Angeles.

“When one of you is injured or someone loses their life, a piece of me goes away,” said Beck.

The event was put on by the Los Angeles Police Foundation

View the full story @ http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Officers-Honored-At-Purple-Heart-Ceremony-129907568.html

REMEMBERING A FALLEN LAPD OFFICER Renaming of West Valley Park in honor of Officer Randal D. Simmons

LOS ANGELES – The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks in partnership with Councilmember Dennis Zine renamed West Valley Park as “LAPD Swat Officer Randal D. Simmons Park” in memory of the fallen LAPD SWAT officer on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 11:00 a.m.

The ceremony included the unveiling of the new park sign as well as remarks by Jon Kirk Mukri, Department of Recreation and Parks General Manager, Councilmember Dennis Zine, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Assistant Chief Michael Moore, Deputy Chief Kirk Alanbese and Captain John Incontro. Mrs. Lisa Simons also spoke at the ceremony.

More than 50 officers from the LAPD Metro Division formed a ‘blue line’ and four mounted patrol officers also attended. City Controller Wendy Greuel and Councilman Tom LaBonge (CD4) were also present.

Officer Randal D. Simmons, a 27-year veteran of the LAPD, was shot during a standoff that injured another officer and claimed the lives of five civilians on Thursday, February 7, 2008. Officer Simmons is the first SWAT officer to die in the line of duty. Officer Simmons committed much of his time to helping and comforting people in urban neighborhoods including Watts, Hacienda Village, Compton and Carson. He was an ordained minister at Glory Christian Fellowship International in Carson, California. He was instrumental in developing programs and Christian events for at-risk youth such as the annual “Greatest Toy Giveaway” which provided toys and gifts to over 1,000 children during the holiday season. He is survived by his wife Lisa, son Matthew and daughter Gabrielle.

“LAPD Officer Randal D. Simmons Park” will serve as a tribute to his personal sacrifice and his dedication to the community. West Valley Park is located at 6731 Wilbur Avenue in the Reseda community. The 8.38 acre park includes children’s play area, walking paths, picnic tables and landscaping.

http://lapdblog.typepad.com/lapd_blog/2010/01/remembering-a-fallen-lapd-officer-.html