Pizzeria To Hold Fundraiser For Family Of Slain SWAT Officer
Simmons, 51, Killed In Line Of Duty Earlier This Month
February 29, 2008

LOS ANGELES — A fundraiser was set to be held in San Pedro Saturday to benefit the family of slain SWAT Officer Randy Simmons, City News Service reported.Niko Tsouloufas, owner of Niko’s Pizzeria, 399 W. Sixth St., will donate 50 percent of the restaurant’s sales proceeds, collected from 10 a.m. to midnight, to the Los Angeles Police Department officer’s widow and two children.”Randy Simmons was truly an amazing person,” said city councilwoman Janice Hahn, who is scheduled to attend the event. “`He was an exemplary officer and a great husband and father. He was a member of our Harbor area community, but he touched lives all over the city. This fundraiser gives us the opportunity to thank his family for sharing him with us for all of these years.”

Two weeks ago the owners of a Burger King restaurant near downtown Los Angeles raised $75,000 for the family.Simmons, 51, became the first SWAT officer to die in the line of duty when he was killed in a Feb. 7 gun battle with a young man who killed his father and two brothers inside a Winnetka home before turning his sights on police. The 20-year-old man was shot and killed by officers.Copyright 2008 by KNBC.com and KNBC (NBC4 Los Angeles)

Teens given seats of honor
By Larry Altman, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 02/16/2008 12:15:28 AM PST

El Segundo Youth Football League Coach Dean Pliaconis gathered his former players and the league’s cheerleaders around him Friday morning and began the day with a different kind of pep talk.

“I just love you all,” he told the group. “This will probably be the biggest funeral in Los Angeles history. You guys are a part of history. You knew this man and know how lucky you were.”

And with Pliaconis’ words, about 100 teenage boys and girls from throughout the South Bay and South Los Angeles boarded two school buses in El Segundo and traveled as special guests to the funeral of Officer Randal Simmons.

The police officer from Rancho Palos Verdes, killed last week in a gunbattle in the San Fernando Valley, might have been one of the Los Angeles Police Department’s top cops, but to the teenagers he was simply a coach and mentor in their football league, and a father to their friends, Matthew and Gabrielle.

After a brief stop at the LAPD’s 77th Division station, the buses fell in behind eight vans carrying Simmons’ family members to the church. Simmons’ wife and children requested that the young people sit close to them because they were so important to him.

Following the family in a motorcade along Los Angeles streets added to the special treatment.

“It’s something big,” said Sean DeFrancesco, 15, of El Segundo High School.

“It shows how much Randy loved all of us. It’s a big honor.”

During his tenure, Simmons, 51, coached about 60 teenage boys in the program, reaching out to them on and off the field. His son, Matthew, joined first as a player about five years ago, but soon his father - a former Washington State cornerback - made his presence felt in the coaching ranks.His daughter signed up for the cheerleading team.

Matthew, 15, has moved on to play at Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance, but Gabrielle, 13, remains a cheerleader whose father poked his head into a practice just two days before his death.

“I think he was an amazing man,” said 17-year-old Aryelle Tomlinson, an El Segundo High School student.

Although the jerseys they once wore as middle-school-

age players didn’t quite fit over their high-school bodies, the boys pulled their old uniforms over their dress shirts and ties and wore them into the Crenshaw Christian Church Faith Dome, a 10,000-seat chapel in the round.

Sitting in a section just rows behind the Simmons family, they watched the service an aisle over from Simmons’ other favorite teens, the ones known as Randy’s Kids.

Each weekend with the church members of Glory Christian Fellowship International Church of Carson, Simmons drove through some tough streets of Los Angeles and other communities, ministering to disadvantaged and troubled teens.

He chose to put his son in the El Segundo football league because Pliaconis signed up players from outside the South Bay city, bringing teens that otherwise wouldn’t get a chance to play football in South Los Angeles to the more affluent area.

Together, the multiracial group learned to play together and became a successful team at home and on the road.

Simmons quickly began picking up the teenagers from the inner city, mentoring them as he drove.

One of those teens, David Mai of Los Angeles, called Simmons a “father figure,” mentor and inspiration, a man he sometimes accompanied to church.

“He taught me how to care for people,” the 16-year-old Fremont High School student said. “He was a big impact on my life.”

Mai said Simmons “would chew me up” if he got into trouble or received poor grades.

“I’m like real hurt,” Mai said. “He was such a good person. You wouldn’t think that would happen to him.”

Inside the church, the teens watched police officers from throughout California and the United States arrive, reading the city names on their patches out loud.

“Schwarzenegger’s here?” one teen asked when the governor took his place.

“Oh, I see him. I see him.”

The teens sat quietly, few fidgeting, few leaving for restroom breaks even as the service inched toward 2 hours. Some wiped tears from their eyes as Simmons’ family members and friends eulogized him. They sat at attention when Matthew Simmons took the microphone and acknowledged his former teammates with a gesture before telling the audience how much he loved his father.

“He waved to his El Segundo team,” said Dana O’Keefe, who joined her son, Danny. “Matt, he was such a fine young man up there. He was Randy’s son - good for him.”

Many of the teens continued on to Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, riding in the procession along Los Angeles’ streets.

Several teens said they had not been able to speak with Simmons’ children following their father’s death, but attended the service to lend their support.

“The thing he taught us the most was staying together as a family,” said Stephen Pliaconis, 16, of El Segundo. “He taught us different life lessons every day.”

larry.altman@dailybreeze.com

Mayor: Honor fallen officer
Article Launched: 02/22/2008 11:52:25 PM PST

When the Los Angeles Police Department opens its new SWAT headquarters later this year, it should be named for slain Officer Randal Simmons, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said Friday.

Simmons, a Rancho Palos Verdes resident and father of two, became the first SWAT officer to die in the line of duty during a standoff earlier this month in Winnetka.

In a letter to the Police Commission, Villaraigosa said, “It would be a fitting tribute to the life of Officer Simmons to rename the new home of the Metropolitan Division and SWAT team after this remarkable SWAT team officer and dedicated member of the community.”

The Metropolitan Division and SWAT are expected to move into the old Rampart Division station, located at 2710 W. Temple St., within the next six months.

Simmons, 51, was shot and killed Feb. 7 in a gunbattle with a man who killed his father and two brothers inside the family’s home. Last Friday, more than 10,000 people attended his funeral, the most ever to attend services for a fallen LAPD officer.

There are currently no LAPD facilities named after individuals who were not chiefs of the department, according to Officer Jason Lee.

Simmons spent more than 20 years on the LAPD SWAT team and was active in the community.

He was lauded as minister of children’s outreach services at Glory Christian Fellowship Church in Carson, as a coach in the El Segundo Youth Football League and as mentor for at-risk young people in South Los Angeles .

The officer’s death hits a nerve. Residents line streets, and TV stations carry his funeral.

By Joel Rubin and Paloma Esquivel, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers
February 16, 2008

The police officers arrived by the thousands — members of a family bound not by blood, but by a uniform and a badge.

Photograph by Genaro Molina - LA Times

They were joined by countless other mourners Friday, inside a cavernous South Los Angeles church and throughout the region, to honor slain Los Angeles Police Officer Randal Simmons. The 51-year-old officer was remembered as a deeply religious man, devoted husband, caring father and model cop in a tearful three-hour funeral service.

Simmons was shot and killed last week during a tense standoff with a San Fernando Valley gunman who already had killed three members of his family. He is the first member of the city’s elite Special Weapons and Tactics unit to be killed in the line of fire since its start nearly 40 years ago.

Ten thousand people — most of them police and other law enforcement officers — filled the Crenshaw Christian Center’s Faith Dome on Vermont Avenue. The funeral, attended by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and other elected and civic officials, was the largest in the history of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Simmons’ death reverberated throughout Southern California. Television stations carried the funeral live and uninterrupted for hours. Thousands of people lined closed city streets to watch as the hearse traveled to the Culver City cemetery where Simmons would be buried. At Slauson Avenue near Angeles Vista Boulevard, several hundred people, including the elderly and preschool students holding their parents’ hands, remained long after the hearse had passed. Some applauded. Others held “Thank You” signs.

Villaraigosa, whose children Simmons had once guarded, acknowledged to mourners that the death had hit the community hard.

“It touches a particular nerve way deep in our souls, and it hurts,” Villaraigosa said. “I’ve thought a lot over the last few days about why that is, and I think it has something to do with the fact that the entire city community loses when we lose a police officer.”

A video montage played at the service highlighted the many aspects of Simmons’ life, from childhood through fatherhood, including his work on the streets of inner-city neighborhoods where he ministered to children on weekends. Images of an intimidating, chiseled officer carrying heavy weapons in the midst of missions were set off by others that hinted of a man at ease and with a sense of humor. In one, he was seen hamming for the camera as he and his longtime partner, Officer James Veenstra, playfully put handcuffs on Santa Claus.

Speaker after speaker recounted memories of the man known at the LAPD as “The Rock.”

” ‘I’ll take care of it, I’ll take care of it,’ ” his sister Gina Davis recalled her brother saying time after time.

“I’m going to miss those words,” she said. “He walked with the confidence of knowing he was capable of protecting you.”

Sharon “Cookie” Sumlin , one of Simmons’ sisters-in-law, said she took comfort in knowing “he is now patrolling the streets of heaven.”

In one of the many wrenching moments, Basil Kimbrew — Simmons’ roommate at Washington State University, where both men played football — walked off the stage at the center of the sanctuary-in-the-round to give an old framed photograph of Simmons to Veenstra, whose face was still swollen from the bullet he took to the jaw in the attack that killed his partner.

“That’s how Randy was,” said Kimbrew, emotion overwhelming him. “Randy always gave, he would always give before he gave to himself.”

LAPD Police Chief William J. Bratton told the SWAT officers sitting in the front pews to “console yourselves knowing that he spent his last moments in the company of you, his police family.”

The chief then turned to Simmons’ family. “Thank you,” he said. “Thank you for sharing him with us all those days and nights that he was away from you.”

Simmons’ son, Matthew, bearing a striking resemblance to his father, recalled praying as a family for his father’s safety moments before Simmons left on the night he was killed.

“He’s the best father any child could possibly have,” Matthew said in brief remarks that drew a standing ovation from the mourners.

A 27-year veteran of the LAPD and a 20-year veteran of SWAT, which specializes in hostage situations and other high-risk confrontations, Simmons was shot in the early morning of Feb. 7. He was among the SWAT unit members who broke through the front door of a mentally troubled man’s San Fernando Valley home, believing that hostages might still be alive inside. He was struck in the neck by a round of bullets that lodged in his brain stem.

The shooter, Edwin Rivera, 20, was killed by a police sniper as he shot at officers and tried to flee his home — which had caught fire, presumably after tear-gas canisters were launched to force him out — more than 10 hours after the standoff began.

Simmons’ death shattered an aura of invincibility that had grown around SWAT.

“They all hit you in the stomach,” said Assistant Police Chief Jim McDonnell, referring to the death of a police officer. “But this one . . . it’s the first SWAT officer we’ve had. When officers get in trouble, they call SWAT.”

The solemn day of remembrance started about 8:30 a.m, hours before the ceremony, as a white hearse carrying Simmons’ body pulled up to the church entrance. SWAT officers took turns standing guard at each corner of the vehicle.

By 9 a.m., the front of the church was a sea of blue as hundreds of officers arrived. Three officers from Jackson, N.J., in their light-blue jackets and hats, stood out from the dark shade of the LAPD uniforms. Many embraced and clasped hands, others dipped into a large envelope being passed around to grab small, laminated photos of Simmons that they clipped onto their uniforms.

In a show of solidarity that was extraordinary even in the tightly knit police community, members of SWAT teams and regular police officers from Alaska, New York, Massachusetts and other states, as well as Canada, melded in with the thousands of LAPD officers. Many said Simmons, a renowned tactician, had trained them. Others had never met him, but came nonetheless.

“Its just important for us to be here — to show support,” said Sgt. A.J. DeAndrea, a SWAT member from Arvada, Colo. “You lose one, you feel it all across the country. I need to show my respect. He would have done the same if it were me.”

Moments before they were summoned, SWAT members serving as pallbearers, their hands cloaked in white gloves, received quiet instruction on something they had never had to do before: carry the coffin of a comrade. As their commander spoke, one stared sadly off into the crisp, cool morning air, his hand clenching and unclenching.

A bagpiper played. Simmons’ wife, Lisa, his two teenage children and other family members fell in behind the deep red, wooden coffin draped with an American flag. Children who had been counseled by Simmons through his youth ministry followed.

As dusk fell at Holy Cross cemetery, the goodbye to Simmons came to an end. Overhead, a helicopter peeled away from three others in the formation that signals a man is missing. On the ground, a trumpeter played taps after a gun salute. Bratton dropped to one knee in front of Simmons’ son and handed him the tightly folded flag from his father’s coffin.

joel.rubin@latimes.com

paloma.esquivel@ latimes.com

Times staff writers Francisco Vara-Orta, Hector Becerra , Gary Friedman and David Pierson contributed to this report.

Slain SWAT officer was hero to children
Vans of the Glory Kids Ministries make the rounds without the group’s founder, SWAT officer Randal Simmons, killed in a standoff.

By Paul Pringle, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
February 10, 2008

To many children who have so little, Officer Randy meant so much.

He brought them bicycles at Christmas. He took them to Dodgers games and McDonald’s. He got them new shoes for school. He invited them to day camp for a swim and slipped their parents money for groceries.

Nearly every weekend he visited lower income neighborhoods from Carson to Watts to South-Central, as part of a church group he founded — Glory Kids Ministries — to steer youngsters from gangs and toward the gospels.

He helped a mom weather her battle with cancer, and his influence on children often rubbed off on the unruly adults in their lives.

And now he was gone.

For the first time, the Glory Kids vans made their Saturday pilgrimages without Los Angeles Police Officer Randal Simmons, 51, who was shot to death Thursday during a SWAT raid in the San Fernando Valley.

The Glory Kids volunteers tried to explain to the likes of Machealle Corswell, 12, how it could be that Simmons would no longer dress up as Santa for their holiday celebration, or shoot baskets with them on the playground, or treat them to the USC-UCLA football game.

“He was like an uncle to me,” said Machealle, who could not stop crying. She was among three dozen children the Glory Kids crew met with at Scottsdale Townhouses in Carson. “When I heard about it on the news, I didn’t want to talk to anybody,” Machealle said, echoing the anger and confusion expressed by other children who had been in Simmons’ orbit.

“It’s not fair,” said Tommy Newsome, 12, who stared watery-eyed across the Scottsdale basketball court. “I called him my hero. He was going to take us to the skate park next week.”

The Glory Kids team Saturday set up loudspeakers at Scottsdale, played a quick round of Jesus-themed “Simon Says” with the children, gave them balloons and said it was OK to cry. More than anything, they stressed that Simmons would not want them to lose faith.

“Where’s Randy right now?” asked Greg Parra, a church minister.

“In heaven!” the children shouted in unison.

They cheered as they released the balloons into the sky, as a way of letting go of their sorrow.

But still they struggled.

Eleven-year-old Julian Johnson said he was “mad” about Simmons’ killing.

“He always came here to tell us about God,” said Julian, who was straddling his bike. “That’s how all the kids here know about God.”

Barbara Sabo, 18, burst into tears when her sister told her about Simmons’ death, and has since been trying to comfort the younger ones at Scottsdale.

“They’re asking questions like, ‘Why did he have to go?’ ” she said. “They know it’s not going to be the same.”

Simmons, who had two teenagers with his wife, Lisa, could have stepped out of an LAPD recruitment poster. He played football for Washington State University, remained powerfully built into his 50s, and passed up promotion opportunities to serve as the “rock” of SWAT, the elite corps of first-through-the-door risk-takers.

But it took his death for many to realize how well he filled out the picture of a role model, and how deeply his presence was felt in neighborhoods that knew him off-duty.

Worshipers at Glory Christian Fellowship International in Carson said Simmons routinely devoted at least part of three days each week to the church, mainly for children but also for their parents.

He started Glory Kids 11 years ago, donating his own money and raising more from church members and corporate benefactors to pay for the two vans, food, clothes and toys. It now serves about 1,000 children a month, said church spokeswoman Melissa Franklin.

“We’ve gotten calls from all these communities, and they’re really hurting now,” Franklin said, referring to Simmons’ death.

She was in the church parking lot, preparing for stops at Scottsdale and Hacienda Village in Watts.

Simmons rarely spoke about his job, Franklin said: “The only thing he’d comment on was the pain that was out there on the streets.”

At Scottsdale, which has had its share of such pain over the years, Simmons’ sway with children, their older siblings — and, by extension, their parents — was a salve, said Cyd Balque, who heads an association of the community of 600 town houses.

“He made a connection with the children,” she said. “I grew up here, and I never saw the kids so excited. They’d say, ‘Is Randy coming?’ That had an effect on their parents. It created an atmosphere of peace.”

Simmons was killed when he burst into a San Fernando Valley house where a 20-year-old man holed up after telling police dispatchers that he had shot his father and two of his brothers. Another SWAT officer, James Veenstra, was wounded, and a police sharpshooter later killed the gunman, Edwin Rivera. The bodies of the father and brothers were found in the Winnetka-area house.

“When my grandma called me and said he died, I said, ‘That’s not true,’ ” related LaTierra Barnes, 13, who joined the Glory Kids gathering at Hacienda Village. “Then I saw it on the news, and I started crying.”

She and two young friends the bike raffles Simmons held in the courtyard, and the outings to Dodger Stadium and the Coliseum. “He treated us like we were his own kids,” said LaTierra.

Standing by the Glory Kids van was Mimi Fennell, 49, who said Simmons was there for her children when a bout with cancer left her broke.

“The cancer was so bad, they said I could go any day, but he said, ‘No way, babe, you’re not going anywhere,’ ” Fennell recalled. “He told me not to be afraid of death. When you were with him, you felt alive. . . .

“Now he’s at peace, but he’s leaving his love here.”

paul.pringle@latimes.com

Slain officer was ‘truly a hero in every sense of the word’
February 16, 2008

Funeral services were held Friday for Officer Randal Simmons, 51, of the Los Angeles Police Department’s SWAT team, who was fatally shot Feb. 7 during a standoff at a Winnetka house, where a gunman killed three family members. A police sniper killed the gunman. The Times’ Homicide Report blog and message boards have received more than 600 comments from readers expressing their feelings about Simmons’ death. Here is a sampling:

“Randy Simmons was a classmate of mine at [Washington State University]. He was a football hero there, and he is truly a hero in every sense of the word. This city is a tough one to reach, but I can sense through all of the articles and messages posted on L.A. media websites that Randy has truly touched this community. I only saw Randy in person on one occasion since we both graduated from WSU in 1978, and that was New Year’s Eve before the WSU-Michigan Rose Bowl game on 1-1-98. It is one of the moments I most cherish from our Rose Bowl experience that year. My thoughts and prayers will always be with his family. Thank you, Randy, for your service to all of us and may God bless you always.”

– Don

“I know the Simmons family, and my heart breaks for their loss. The senselessness of killing that runs rampant throughout our cities needs to stop. This man knew every day that he put his life on the line to create a safer place for all of us. His job was to help us, as communities, be safe.”

– Mitchie

“My prayers go out to the family. Find comfort in knowing that he knew the Lord, and had his business in order. Remember his dedication to the Lord, law enforcement and his family. [It’s] a shame that we live in a world where law enforcement is not respected, and at the end of the day those that responded to protect and serve get shot down. God bless you. Psalms 121: ‘Look to the hills from whence comes your help’!”

– Tracy

“I have the honor of saying Randy Simmons was my teammate at Fairfax High. I’ve spoken to some players and we are not at all surprised that it was Randy who decided to step through that door Thursday morning to help someone in need. Randy is a hero, not a statistic.”

– BPY

“Randy visited us on two occasions to train our [St. Louis] SWAT team in the 1990s. He was one of the nicest men I had the pleasure of meeting. A true, gentle giant. On behalf of all of the men and women you befriended in St. Louis, our sympathies are with his family.”

– Bob

“I am one of the many young people whose life was strongly impacted by Randy. I am also a longtime member of Glory Christian Fellowship, and this is a very hard loss for me to deal with. When I was a part of the teen ministry, Randy was always there and always around. He was a beautiful person and was like one of my uncles.”

– D’Andra

“Thank you for protecting us.”

More information: latimes.com/homicidereport or latimes.com/california.

South Pasadena’s police chief pays tribute to Los Angeles’ fallen SWAT officer.

By Dan Watson
February 11, 2008

I retired from the Los Angeles Police Department after more than 28 years to become the Chief of Police in South Pasadena, where I’ve served for six years. Along with the rest of the law enforcement community, I grieve for the loss of LAPD SWAT Officer Randy Simmons.

Like most LAPD officers, I never worked SWAT. No doubt I didn’t have what it takes - very few do. But I had the opportunity on many occasions to observe them in action. In the ranks of the LAPD, SWAT is iconic. Under routine circumstances, SWAT cops can be aloof. The best in any profession usually are. They work out on duty when others can’t. They train continuously when others can’t. This can breed envy. And yet all LAPD officers admire SWAT officers for being the best. They’re the best because of their training and discipline. And, when you need them, there’s no one in the world who’s better at what they do.

I’ve been the incident commander at barricaded suspect scenes when we needed them. The scene is chaotic. Highly motivated, but not highly trained, patrol officers have secured a perimeter with an armed suspect holed up inside a building. You pray that SWAT gets there and takes over before your officers have to engage the suspect. SWAT arrives and they set up. They are the professionals you need - and when the last patrol officer on the inner perimeter is relieved by a SWAT officer, you can sit back and relax a bit. The show is about to begin.

The SWAT officers are methodical, professional, unemotional and totally committed to their mission. The SWAT leader comes to you with a plan that you have to approve as incident commander. It makes sense, contingencies have been addressed - in a word, it’s brilliant. You give the green light to implement the plan, and the operation is about to begin. Watching a SWAT team in action is pure artistry in the midst of chaos. And they almost always get their man (or woman) without injury to anyone.

In today’s world, where overpaid athletes and rock stars who donate large sums to charity are considered heroes, we are missing the true meaning of what a hero really is. These guys who knowingly risk their lives to save someone intent on killing himself or others are the definition of heroes.

I barely knew Randy Simmons and Jim Veenstra, but they are my heroes. All SWAT officers are heroes. Appreciate them. Thank them. Love them for who they are and what they do.

Dan Watson is chief of police for the South Pasadena Police Department.

Shocked police line up to show support for slain LA SWAT member
By Thomas Watkins
Associated Press
Article Launched: 02/13/2008 03:25:13 PM PST

LOS ANGELES - Members of the thin blue line lined up by the hundreds today, waiting outside a fast-food restaurant to buy burgers in remembrance of a slain SWAT officer.

The day’s proceeds would go to the family of Officer Randal Simmons, who was gunned down in a house raid last week, becoming the first SWAT officer to die in the line of duty since the elite Los Angeles Police Department unit was formed in 1967.

Simmons’ partner, Officer James Veenstra, was wounded in the jaw during the confrontation in which five people were killed. Veenstra, 51, was released from a hospital Monday.

Los Angeles Police Department bomb squad technicians, canine handlers, patrol captains and plainclothes detectives were among those in the jumbo line, which by lunchtime snaked out the back of a downtown Burger King restaurant and down the length of a city block.

The officers, as well as members of the public and law enforcers from other agencies, all turned out.

Restaurant co-owner Ralph Cimmarusti estimated he would sell as many as 40,000 patties, raising about $100,000 in sales and donations for the Simmons family. The store typically sells about 1,000 burgers a day.

“We owe it to the LAPD family,” Cimmarusti said. The store donated staff time and the cost of the food.

It took about an hour for some in line to reach the counter. Capt. Lance Smith, who attended college in Washington state with Simmons in the 1970s, was among those who waited patiently for a Whopper. He said the department was still reeling from news of Simmons’ death. “You just don’t expect it to happen to some,” Smith said. “You had no vision of him ever being killed. He was superhuman.”

Simmons died Thursday when he entered the home of Edwin Rivera, 20, who had called police to report that he had killed his father and two brothers. The standoff ended when a police sniper killed Rivera.

Simmons, 51, was a 20-year SWAT veteran and one of the unit’s most senior members. He was known to fellow officers as “the rock” and was involved in church outreach programs including mentoring children.

His funeral is scheduled Friday.

Flipping for Randal
By Sandy Mazza and Larry Altman, Staff Writers
Article Launched: 02/18/2008 11:32:40 PM PST

Brad Graverson/Staff Photographer Daily Breeze)

He was a familiar face, a regular customer who could often be seen roaming the aisles filling his basket with groceries.

So when workers of an Albertsons store in San Pedro heard that LAPD Officer Randal Simmons had been gunned down, they wanted to do something to help.

On Monday, they finished a two-day barbecue to raise money for his family.

“He’s just a great guy,” said checker Mary Nichols, as she slung burgers and sausage links under a picture of Simmons outside the store on Western Avenue. “I work nights so I saw him every night. I would say `Hi’ to him like any other customer.”

Like the other volunteers, Nichols wore a shirt emblazoned with Simmons’ picture on it.

Hundreds of people - including many officers and deputies - bought food at $3 to $5 per plate at the Sunday and Monday afternoon barbecues. Food was donated by the store and some of its vendors, said store manager Chrisenda Dalangin.

“My associates came in on their day off, they donated their time,” Dalangin said. “He was our neighbor, our customer for 13 to 14 years. It’s so tragic, but he was so important to the community.”

She said the store had not counted the proceeds by Monday afternoon.

Last Thursday, a Burger King restaurant in downtown Los Angeles offered to donate the day’s proceeds to the Simmons family. So many officers showed up that the line snaked outside the restaurant. The store raised about $100,000 that day.

Simmons, 51, lived with his wife, Lisa, and two children in the Eastview section of Rancho Palos Verdes.

Simmons, who was buried Friday at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, was killed Feb. 7 in a gunbattle in the San Fernando Valley. The gunman, who killed three members of his family, opened fire on the SWAT team, killing Simmons and seriously wounding his partner, Officer James Veenstra.

Simmons spent his weekends mentoring youths and spreading the word of God with his ministry through Glory Christian Fellowship Church in Carson.

He also coached teens in the El Segundo Youth Football League while his son was enrolled in the program.

Dalangin said they had not yet contacted the Simmons family, but simply wanted to do what they could to help.

The fundraiser attracted law enforcement officers and residents alike.

Kay Schumacher of San Pedro bought a hamburger on Monday.

“It’s a wonderful thing they’re doing. I watched (Simmons’) funeral on TV and cried,” Schumacher said. “It doesn’t really matter whether you know the person or not, it’s sad when something like this happens.”

Inglewood police Sgt. Diane Robinson flipped burgers and sausages at the cookout. She said she works night shifts, as Simmons did, and she also stops at the San Pedro grocery store on the way home.

“We’re doing this out of respect more than anything,” Robinson said. “We want to give back to the family because he gave so much to the community.”

sandy.mazza@dailybreeze.com

Community Holds Fundraisers For Slain SWAT Officer
Thomas Watkins
Associated Press

February 23, 2008, 11:04 AM PST

A barbecue benefiting the family of slain Los Angeles Police Department Officer Randy Simmons will be held today from 11 a.m. through 4 p.m. at El Sereno Park, 4721 Klamath St.

Simmons, 51, was shot and killed Feb. 7 in a gun battle with a man who killed his father and two brothers inside a Winnetka home before killing himself. More than 10,000 people attended his funeral Feb. 15, the most for an LAPD funeral.

When the new SWAT headquarters opens later this year, it should be named for Simmons, the first SWAT officer to die in the line of duty, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said yesterday.

In a letter to the Police Commission, Villaraigosa said “it would be a fitting tribute to the life of Officer Simmons to rename the new home of the Metropolitan Division and SWAT team after this remarkable SWAT team officer and dedicated member of the community.”

The Metropolitan Division and SWAT are expected to move into the old Rampart Division station at 2710 W. Temple St. within the next six months.

Copyright © 2008, The Associated Press

Inscribed with honor: Officer Simmons
The slain LAPD lawman acted out of a sense of duty beyond his badge — a duty to be of service to the people around him
February 18, 2008
In the volatile world of the street, cops haven’t always been the good guys.
They’ve been known to apply brute force as a form of justice in the shadowy confines of downtown alleys and to quell peaceful protests with swinging truncheons.

We’ve seen them get away with videotaped crimes against civilians, and we’ve seen their militaristic units turn into undisciplined mobs.

Instances of racism and sadism once stained cops’ badges, making a mockery of a call to respect and support them when their brothers were killing black people in the South and challenging the right of peaceful assembly in the North.

But things have changed.

It doesn’t take a cultural anthropologist to see new attitudes emerging in the police departments of Southern California, including L.A.

Racial and ethnic diversity is obvious in their ranks and grievous errors of conduct are rarely excused.

Do moments of brutality still emerge among the men and women committed to protect and serve? Of course.

Even the best of training doesn’t always mute the instincts of those who don’t deserve to wear the blue uniform in the first place.

But for every bad cop who punches out a guy on the ground or shoots before he thinks, there’s always a man like Randal Simmons.

He has come to symbolize what cops are all about.

Simmons was the 51-year-old SWAT team veteran whose unit, because they thought that lives were imperiled inside a house under siege, joined fellow officers in raiding the building.

Simmons was shot dead by a mentally disturbed man who had already killed his father and two brothers on that violent day in Winnetka, who was then himself brought down by a police sniper.

Much has been made of the fact that Simmons was the first officer killed in action in the 40-year history of the nationally respected LAPD SWAT team.

The term “hero” has been applied many times in respect to his devotion to a duty that ended his life.

Some say that he deliberately jumped in front of a wounded partner to prevent the man from being shot a second time. The partner, James Veenstra, survived a bullet in the face.

Simmons is a hero either way. And if a more thorough investigation proves that he sacrificed his own life to save another, then the obvious protocol for a higher heroism applies.

But there’s a more subtle application to the term too. A policeman knows that every time he enters a house under siege, his life is at risk — but he does it anyhow.

We can assume that he does it because of his training, because of his sworn oath or because he’s just one of those guys who gets off on danger. But I think there’s another level to the ultimate risk: He does it because it’s part of a deeper instinct to save someone. That was Randal Simmons.

He was more than the sum of his duties. Simmons’ life beyond the badge and gun was dedicated to the service of others. He loved children, and bought the poor kids of South-Central L.A. presents on his own birthday. He co-hosted a Special Olympics and, as a minister for Carson’s Glory Christian Fellowship International church, drove his “glory van” to troubled housing projects, doing what he could to help the young.

There is a kind of heroism in a life like that, an assertion of goodness without trumpets. Simmons did what he did not because of the recognition he received, but because it was the right thing to do. His chief knew that. His colleagues knew that. His friends knew that. His neighbors knew that. And his family knew that. He leaves a wife of 20 years and two teenage children to mourn his death and celebrate his life.

I write of him today because there is a need to consider the qualities possessed by those we rely on but rarely know. Simmons represented the best of the men and women who patrol the streets and who respond to cries for help with a commitment beyond the requirements of the uniform. There remains in the human spirit an infrequently displayed inclination to rise above survival and risk everything for the sake of another.

In the landscape of our dreams, we all wish for heroes who are both brave under fire and kind to little children. If there aren’t enough of those who compare to Randal Simmons, at least there was him, and perhaps a few others.

They were the ones of whom the poet Stephen Spender wrote:

Born of the sun, they traveled a short while toward the sun, and left the vivid air inscribed with their honor.

So doing, Randal Simmons, by his life and by his deeds, ennobled us all.

Play taps.

almtz13@aol.com

Game of honor
Contest benefits slain officer’s family
Lauren McSherry, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 02/23/2008 09:18:06 PM PST

COLTON - The Inland Empire Enforcers charged onto the Colton High School football field on Saturday, ready to trounce the visiting Los Angeles Police Department Centurions.But they quickly fell behind.

By the end of the first quarter, the Enforcers were down by two touchdowns.
That might have been because something was compelling the Centurions to play harder than usual.

Saturday was the first game for the Centurions since losing one of their own - SWAT Officer Randal Simmons, who played defensive back and wore No. 17.

Simmons was shot to death Feb. 7 when a police standoff in Winnetka escalated to a gunbattle that ended with the deaths of five people.

Simmons was the first LAPD SWAT officer killed in the line of duty.

In honor of Simmons, the LAPD Centurions emblazoned his number on their helmets. They also said they would donate the proceeds from this game and their next one to the family of the slain officer and the causes he volunteered for in his spare time.

They want to claim the 2008 National Public Safety Football Championship in honor of their fallen hero.A moment of silence was held for Simmons before kickoff.

“We finally had an opportunity to get together as a group and to go out and show the heart and spirit we have, which is indicative of the type of heart and spirit Officer Simmons had,” said Centurions coach Donald Payne, an LAPD detective.

Jack Cota, a directorfor the Los Angeles Protective League, said the game was only the first in a series of fundraisers planned in honor of Simmons, who mentored hundreds of inner city youths.

“He spent a lot of time as a cop,” Cota said, “but he spent as much time with his church, with his family, with these kids in L.A.”

Beaumont police Cpl. John Combado, who usually plays fullback for the Enforcers, cheered from the stands with his wife, Michelle.

The money raised at Enforcers games usually goes to the Special Olympics, but this game was different.

“It’s the right thing to do,” Combado said.

The Enforcers team draws from a number of San Bernardino County law-enforcement agencies, including the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department as well as the Redlands, Chino and Colton police departments.

In the fourth quarter, the Enforcers scored a touchdown with two minutes remaining.

But it wasn’t enough. The Centurions won 27-16. Afterward, both teams gathered on the 50-yard line and held a prayer for Simmons. Then the Enforcers presented their opponents with their share of the money raised in his memory - a check for $2,500.

Tragic loss brings city together
By Doug McIntyre, Columnist
Article Last Updated: 02/23/2008 08:43:35 PM PST

NEVER, in my nearly twenty-five years in Los Angeles, have I been more proud to live here. A little more than a week ago, this city paid tribute to slain SWAT Officer Randy Simmons. In a ceremony lasting the better part of a beautiful sunny Friday, Officer Simmons was remembered as a cop’s cop, the epitome of what a badge can be. But as his life was presented by witness after witness, the magnitude of our loss was driven home.

The loss of Randy Simmons brought this city together in ways I have never experienced. For three-plus hours, blacks and whites, Hispanics and Asians wept together, sang together, smiled in fond remembrance together, for a life brilliantly lived. For one day at least, our local leaders had genuine heartfelt eloquence, and the city of Los Angeles presented itself to the world as a city of competence and a city that cares.

We have lost great cops before, and that’s no small thing.

However, Randy Simmons was so much more. He was the embodiment of manhood. Not the hyper-Stallone, steel-cage fighting, gangsta nitwit version of manhood marketed to young boys in movies, music, TV and video games. Randy Simmons was not just a hero on the street; he was a hero at home. A father in the truest sense of the word, a husband, a son, a brother, a friend, a neighbor.

When a deeply disturbed failure assassinated his family in Winnetka and called 911 challenging the police to “come and get me,” Los Angeles sent the very best in the world: SWAT Officers James Veenstra and Randal Simmons. With the hope of saving those already shot by a madman and with the hope of rescuing a terrified hostage hiding in a closet, James Veenstra entered the home and was promptly shot in the face at nearly point-blank range. Without hesitation, Randy Simmons went in to save his wounded partner, and now the wound is felt citywide.

I never knew Officer Simmons. That is my loss. I feel it deeply, and can barely imagine the void felt by his children, Matthew and Gabriella, and Lisa Simmons, Randy’s wife of 17 years.

The funeral service for Officer Simmons was telecast locally. It was a brilliant decision to carry this event to hundreds of thousands beyond the 10,000 plus packed into the Crenshaw Christian Center’s Faith Dome. The front-page photos of the pageantry, as impressive as it was, hardly told the story. Only the grief and joy of Randall Simmons’ life, as recounted by those who lived it with him, could impress upon us the magnitude of our loss.

This was reality TV that elevated human dignity.

We live in justifiably cynical times. Randal Simmons was the antidote to cynicism. He was the cure for all that ails today’s Los Angeles. He represented not only the best of what a man should be, the best of what a law enforcement officer should be, he represented the best of what a person of faith should be. He was loving and nonjudgmental, he talked the talk and walked the walk.

The funeral of Office Randy Simmons allowed us to see another side of the Los Angeles Police Department - the best side. This is the real LAPD, not the blunders of MacArthur Park, or as Mayor Villaraigosa said to applause, “not the LAPD of consent decrees” and certainly not the loathsome and vile depiction presented in the Academy Award-winning film “Crash.”

This is an LAPD made up of thousands of men and women of all religions, all races, working for a common purpose: “To Protect and Serve.” Occasionally the cops come up short. That shouldn’t minimize the ideals of a department charged with securing one of the most complex and challenging urban environments on the planet. It shouldn’t minimize our sense of gratitude. We have a great Police Department.

The funeral for Officer Randy Simmons was theatrical perfection: dignified, eloquent, musical, faith-affirming, joyous, tear-wrenching, inspiring yet, unexpressed but just below the surface, enraging.

Why Randy? Why did Randal Simmons have to die?

Maybe so the rest of us would care just a little bit more about the city he loved. The City of Angels lost an angel. But Los Angeles could gain a higher sense of civic pride and connectedness if we take the lessons of Randy Simmons’ life and live them ourselves. This would be a tribute even Officer Simmons would not be too humble to accept.

Doug McIntyre hosts the “McIntyre in the Morning” program on Talk Radio 790 KABC, weekdays from 5 to 9 a.m.

Police Protective League Remembers SWAT Officer

Randy Simmons, 51, Killed In Standoff

LOS ANGELES The president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League said that the fatal shooting of an LAPD SWAT officer, the first in the history of the elite team, is a “devastating” and “shocking” reminder of the risks officers face on a day-to-day basis.

Veteran LAPD SWAT Officer Randy Simmons, 51, was killed inside a Winnetka home on Thursday morning. He was involved in a gun battle with a man who admitted to killing three family members before the standoff began.

It was the first fatality in the history of the elite LAPD SWAT team, which was created in 1967 and went on full-time status in 1971.

“Every day when we go on duty we know the dangers we are facing, yet it is still devastating and shocking when we lose one of our own,” said Tim Sands, president of the LAPPL, the union representing the LAPD rank-and-file.

“Officer Randal Simmons was a good friend, loyal partner and an exemplary officer. He was proud to be a member of the LAPD SWAT, despite the risks that came with that assignment, and today that bravery cost him his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family members, who lost a good man.”

Officer James Veenstra, the 51-year-old husband of an LAPD captain, was also hit during the standoff. His injuries are considered critical, but he is expected to survive.

“Our thoughts and prayers are also with Officer James Veenstra, who is recovering from surgery, and his family, including his wife, (LAPD) Capt. Michelle Veenstra. We pledge our support to the families of both Officer Simmons and Officer Veenstra, to help them through this difficult time,” Sands said.

The Los Angeles Police Protective League represents the more than 9,000 rank and file members of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Saturday, February 9, 2008
Last updated 12:17 a.m. PT

Ex-Cougar Simmons mourned

L.A. police officer killed in line of duty ‘a hell of a human being’

By LEVI PULKKINEN
P-I REPORTER

For the Washington State football team, a trip to Los Angeles usually meant a visit with a well-liked former Cougars cornerback, Randal Simmons.

Simmons would arrive at the practice field the day before a game, as often as not stopping in at the end of his shift still wearing his Los Angeles Police Department uniform. He’d swap stories with former teammate and offensive coordinator Mike Levenseller, and check in on his team.

Even 29 years after leaving Pullman for L.A., Simmons “kept his Cougar roots close,” Levenseller said Friday.

Now, those Cougs who knew him are grieving. Simmons, 51, was shot to death Thursday during a hostage rescue.

“It’s a sad day for those of us who were around him,” Levenseller said. “He was just a hell of a human being.”

Simmons, a 27-year veteran of the LAPD, was killed as he and other members of the department’s SWAT team moved in on a San Fernando Valley home where a gunman had killed his family, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday. The team, on which Simmons had served for two decades, had arrived at the house after the barricaded man shot several of his family members hoping to rescue survivors.

The gunman, Edwin Rivera, 20, was shot and killed by a police sniper after the man killed his father, Gerardo, 54, and two of his brothers, Edgar, 21, and Andy, 25. Another SWAT officer was seriously wounded in the raid.

Raised in the Los Angeles area, Simmons walked on to the Cougars squad in 1976. After a slow start with the team, he earned a starting spot his senior year.

“He was the strongest guy on the team,” said Steve Swift, a defensive tackle who now owns a machine shop in Kent. “He was just a muscle.”

In a weight room challenge his senior year, the 190-pound Simmons beat out teammates who outweighed him by more than 100 pounds, including Swift.

Off the field, Simmons took his studies seriously, and stayed out of trouble, said Jeff Jones, a former Cougars middle linebacker.

“He was very soft-spoken, just a very nice man,” Jones said.

After college, Simmons tried out for the Dallas Cowboys but was knocked out of contention by an injury. Unable to continue playing, he decided to put his education to work and joined the LAPD.

On the force, Simmons drew some of the department’s toughest assignments. He was shot while working in the Watts neighborhood in the 1980s, then took a promotion to the SWAT team.

After hours, Simmons devoted much of his time to youth ministry at his church, Glory Christian Fellowship International in Carson, James Hart, his SWAT partner of seven years, told the Los Angeles Times.

Speaking to the Times, Hart recalled conducting patrols in a neighborhood where Simmons was working with area children.

“It was amazing, they would see him, and all these kids would just light up and yell, ‘Randy! Randy!’ ” Hart said.

Simmons is survived by his wife of 20 years, Lisa, his two children, ages 15 and 13, his parents and other family members.

Veteran LAPD SWAT Officer Randy Simmons was killed and Officer James Veenstra was critically injured in a shootout with a gunman inside a Winnetka home Feb. 7.

http://cbs2.com/misc/swat.officers.shot.2.648527.html

Your Letters And Condolences:

Randy and I went to Fairfax High together. Randy was on the football team and I was first the Mascot Lion, then Cheerleader. We traveled to football games every other friday together on the bus. He was a wonderful person and well loved at Fairfax High. Later, our paths cross without even knowing. Rosebowl: I was a USC Flag Girl and we played against Washington State. Surely Goodness and Mercy shall follow him in all the days of his life and he shall dwell in the house of the Lord for Ever and Ever. In the Name of Jesus, AMEN

-Robin

To the Simmons family,

This message is being sent with a very heavy heart. Randy was one of my best friends at Fairfax High School. We were part of the “Buff 6″ the 6 closest of friends in high school with goals and objectives of having a positive impact in society. Randy has done just that. Randy and the Simmons family had a very positive impact in my life growing up in Los Angeles. Randy will always be loved and remembered for his Big Heart and enthusiasm. Please accept our condolences.

Love always,
–Wendell DT
Phoenix, AZ

He Jimmy, here’s a message from your family in the Netherlands, we heard what happened on the news, hope you will be ok soon.

–Aunt Els and their children Micky, Linda, Inge, Reggy.
–Rene and the rest of the family

May God comfort police officer Randy Simmons’ family and heal officer James Veenstra.
–Elsa M

About 10 years ago I worked on the television show “LAPD: Life on the Beat”. After covering the North Hollywood Shootout in ‘97, I then went on to cover the SWAT team exclusively for about 6 months. My partner and I were taken in with open arms and given incredible access to their unit. Simply put, it was one of the most incredible experiences I’ve had in 12 years of working in the entertainment business and my respect for these officers could not be any higher. I remember working with Randy Simmons and was shocked to hear of what about in Winnetka last week. I vividly remember working with Randy and remember him as a great, warm guy. He was always friendly, courteous and open to us and really made us feel at home. My heart goes out to the Simmons & Veenstra families, as well as the entire LAPD family! God Bless!!

–Dave W.

Keep up the great work and doing what only the LAPD SWAT team can do!

To the family of Brother Randy,

I just watched the CBS segment of how Randy was a believer in Christ and how he was involved in youth ministry. I too minister to a youth group at Blessed Hope Chapel in Simi Valley and just praise the Lord that Randy was willing to serve the Lord and touch so many in his life. I too use to work in law enforcement and have many friends working for LAPD and other agencies as well and we’re so very saddened by this tragedy. My hope for you as his family is to see that he not only served the Lord God but his brethren, his community and faithfully at that. I too have lost many a loved one and know the ache the heart suffers in such a time but pray that the Lord comforts your heart as only He can and brings not only joy to you over time and as His Word says, works this for the good. I’ve seen over and over Jesus working things seemingly so horrible for the good in ways so miraculous it blows your mind and I imagine this will come to pass for those Randy touched through his life. I pray too that your faith will not waiver in this time and know that Paul said, ” To live is Christ, to die is gain.” It’s so hard to see someone so dedicated to do good taken so young but a child of God taken is someone now in paradise, face to face with the Lord Almighty. Randy will forever be happy, I pray that all his family & friends stay in faith and or come to faith in Christ so that in time you’ll be able to see him again for all time. May the joy of the Lord be your strength.

–Kevin S.

Our prayers and thoughts are with Officer Simmons Family through this difficult time.. May God Bless each and everyone of you and keep you strong. Our prayers are with Officer Veeristra and family, may he have a speedy recovery and May God Bless him and keep him safe. Both Officers are remarkable heroes. Thank you for your bravery and courage

–The Olim Family, Huntington Beach

To The Simmons Family,

Randy Simmons was a very positive influence starting at the tender age of eight, I came to a church with my mother that Randy Simmons was an involved member and active through a very unique way. Uncle Randy as many of the kids at church called him was highly determined about helping those whom couldn’t help themselves in a spiritual manner. He started an auxiliary at church first called “The Bus Ministry” this was a well thought out program designed to go into the roughest of housing projects in the inner city and tell them about God as well as feed them, play with them, and all the while giving them a safe gathering place where they didn’t have to worry about safety because they were safe. Not only did I go on several outreach drives with him, I also had him Briefly as a Sunday school teacher. His lesson of God and Life were no different, as a matter of fact he displayed them physically everyday. He greatly emphasized that you have to know the bible and word of God just as a song you enjoy. He was a very energetic man and often referred to sports or physical fitness in terms of the Lord. He made analogies to the bible with sports and even his own sports career…he would say nothing is permanent but the Word of God. As I moved on to go to High School at Verbum Dei in Los Angeles I had many times when I came across Uncle Randy a lot more. The reason being is that Verbum Dei
is located directly in a front wedge of the Nickerson Garden projects… a place where Unlce Randy felt deeply about through his earthly and spiritual work.
There were several instances where there were shootings in those projects early in the morning right before school and would cause school to be canceled
for the day. Those were situations when I didn’t have to see him to know he was protecting me as well as those he loved for the purpose of love. Out of all
the lessons that I learned from Uncle Randy I learned never to fear…I learned this the very first time I went to The Hacienda Heights projects in which he told
not to be afraid but to be confident and watchful. He was a great man and leader I miss him dearly and wish before I left to go back to School in Philly that I
could say goodbye.

Goodbye Uncle Randy - The SWAT Prototype

–Ronald M., 19

As members of this neighborhood, living only 2 houses from this all, we first want to send out our prayers and thoughts to Officer Simmons’ family and to tell them that they are thought of and cared for by many. They are in the hands of God. We pray for Officer Veenstra’s recovery and send out support to his family and know that they are loved and supported.

We also want to say thank you to the LAPD and the SWAT team as well as the LAFD for protecting us all through this and always. All the families effected by this tragedy are in our thoughts.

–The Chastain Family

To The Randy Simmons Family,

My most sincere condolences to you during this time of your deepest loss. Be strong! Stay prayed up! Be encouraged! God will provide…and he will carry you through! Our Minister Randy has gone on ahead as God has guided his path according to HIS plan! He was truly a strong soldier in God’s army! I remember just a few months ago when he delivered the word at our Sunday morning service at GCFI…such an inspiring message spoken from deep within his soul. He was so on fire with the word that he couldn’t get it all said fast enough! (smile) It was truly apparent that his life was committed to our God, his family and his career in keeping us all safe. Thank you Randy for making the ultimate sacrifice. You will truly be missed. Rest in Peace. And, to Officer Veenstra, thank you and I wish you a speedy recovery.

–Kathy C

My constant prayers are with you. Jim sounds like an honorable man and a truly gifted public servant. It will be an honor to prayer for a man and an officer of this caliber. I will pray until he is healed physically, mentally and emotionally. I am asking God to envelop you, Michelle, in His arms and give you strength through His amazing sovereignty, mercy and love. I am asking God to touch Jim and heal him–I believe He will. God Bless you and your family. May he reign down His power upon you , Jim and your family through this difficult time.

Blessings
–Robin R

Hey Matt it’s Big Ricky I wanted to express my condolences for your loss. I know that your dad was a great man who was always looking to help someone out. Everything he did is greatly appreciated and he will never be forgotten. He always was telling me that I needed to get bigger and stronger; he really did care about all of our well-beings. I know it is a very difficult time in your life but keep your head up and pray to God for guidance. Just know that even though he is not here any more he will always be watching over you and your family. If you ever need anyone to talk to know that I am here. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

–Big Ricky and Family

To the Simmons Family:
My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. To Officer Veenstra a complete and speedy recovery. As a fellow Law Enforcement Officer, I grieve with you and with the rest of the brothers and sisters in BLUE. As we all know, Randy had a calling from our lord and patron Saint, Saint Michael. Randy serving a special detail in Heaven, until the time when we can all be there. Randy Gods speed, my Brother

– A fellow Law Enforcement Officer

To the families of the slain and injured officers,

There are no words to express to you the depth of sorrow. My little brother is also an LAPD officer. I believe to lose one, it could have been any one of them For the widow, my dearest draw on your faith and may GOD give you and your family the strength to get through this time. Yours was a love not long enough but deep enough to past an eternity. God only picks the brightest flowers for his garden He did so much good while he was here. What an amazing man, As for the injured officer I wish all of you a speedy recovery. God bless you for your bravery. May you be safe and well and recover from your injuries with Gods speed.

Love,
Your sister,
–Natalie K

I’ve lived in Winnetka 40 of my 53 years of life. It was a tragedy hearing about the Winnetka shootings. The families of the downed and killed officiers are in my thoughts and prayers.

–Gary F

Dear Lisa & Family,

We are so saddened to hear of your tragic loss. We are praying constantly for you and your family. God is able to provide you strength and peace one day at a time. Be confident in knowing that Randy is with the King of King and Lord of Lords. Thank God for Jesus! We are here for you.

Love and our prayers.
–Judy & Duane M & Family

Officer Veenstra,

You are a hero. My entire family is praying for your full recovery. Thank you for officers like you.

–Batol Family
West Hills, CA

Our prayers are with Officer James Veenstra and his family. WhEn one brother hurts WE ALL HURT. I pray our Lord will watch over Officer Veenstra in his time of need as his life was dedicate to protecting the needs and rights of others.

Respectfully,
–Chief Christopher MP
Sugar Notch Police Dept, Luzerne County Pa

You really don’t think about how dangerous this job is until a tragedy occurs. As an officer, we just do whatever it takes to protect citizens, so we can go home at night. In the end, a hero is down and another seriously injured. I did not know either officers, but both are my brothers and I just want to thank Officer Simmons and Officer Veenstra for their dedication. Both are role models whom are admired by all officers. I know Officer Simmons is still with us. He will never be forgotten. I wish Officer Veenstra a speedy recovery. We need you out there!

–SS
LAPD

Although I did not know Randy Simmons personally, it brings a tear to my eyes knowing today we lost a brother in blue. A brother who so selflessly promised to serve and protect the members of his community. Then on this dark day he was called upon to give the ultimate sacrifice for the oath he took. Randy Simmons and his family are in my Department’s thoughts and prayers.

“The Final Inspection”

“The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass…………………

Step forward now, policeman,
You’ve borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in hell.”

–Author Unkown

Hi Lisa Simmons,
I am sharing your sadness with you and your family. So you will not be lonely. So you don’t have to cry. Your husband was a great police officer at LAPD.

–Dave K
Los Angeles, CA

2nd Timothy (4:7-8) I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. May the peace of the Lord comfort you all during this time.

–Viewer

To the Simmons Family,

I’m from North Hollywood but I now live in Manhattan, NY, as I attend school at NYU Stern. I was very saddened when I heard the news about this horrible tragedy that happened to your family. This not only affects you, but it also affects me and the rest of us that care. Officer Simmons was obviously a brave man and will be deeply missed. He seemed like such a great person, and I wish I could’ve known him. My heart and prayers go out to you. May this never happen again.

Officer Veenstra, I hope you get better very soon. Thank you for protecting us.

Best regards,
–Jimmy A

My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Officer Simmons. I am saddened by the tragic news of his death and know he will be missed by so many people. Surely his wonderful ministry outreach program will suffer a great void without his presence also. May God give a “peace that passes all understanding” to those who loved him and are grieving this terrible loss in their lives.

Sincerely,
–D. Dimel
Newport Coast, CA

To the Simmons Family,

My deepest sympathy to the Simmons family. I meet Randy when he was a CRASH officer, what a big gentleman. I will always remember his beautiful smile. May God be with you all.
–Vera
Los Angeles, CA

I am very sorry for the loss of Officer Simmons. We will continue to pray for the recovery of Officer Veenstra. LAPD is and will always be a role model for all police departments nation wide.

Respectfully,
–Senior Officer Ibarra- Police Supervisor
Northwest Arkansas Regional Police Department

To the families of Officer Simmons and Officer Veenstra,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Officer Simmons and Officer Veenstra are remarkable heroes who displayed the utmost strength, bravery and courage that we all aspire to have.

–K & G

El Equipo Tactico de Costa Rica, llamado SPII (Servicio Policial de Intervención Inmediata)
envía nuestra condolencias a la familia del Oficial Randal Simmoms, los equipos SWAT
estamos unidos como uno solo, no importa el pais, a la familia del oficial Veenstra nuestro apoyo también.

–SPII
Costa Rica

To The Simmons and Veenstra Families,

As I was driving into work this morning after hearing the tragic news, I felt a sense of personal lost, without even knowing these Honorable Officer’s. I have the utmost respect for all police officers, and even more respect for SWAT Officers. These SWAT Officer’s and their team members know without a doubt, that each call may be their last call, and are still willing to walk directly into the face of death, so that the rest of society can live freely. I feel that no citizen should ever forget the ultimate sacrifice that Swat Officer Randal Simmons gave willing, and the close brush with death that Swat Officer James Veenstra had this morning.

May each family find comfort in knowing that these Officers paid a high price, doing what they truly believed in, Protecting and Serving the Citizens of Los Angeles.

God Bless All of You.
–G Stewart
Lancaster, CA

To the Family of a Fallen Hero (Randal Simmons)
I would like say may God bless you and family. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Although I didn’t meet Officer Simmons I am very sad that his Family and the SWAT lost one of their best men.

To the Family of a Brave Man (James Veenstra)
I wish you a fast Recovery. Thank you for your services to our communities. You guys are heroes. May God bless you and your family. With Sympathy and Respect for All LAW ENFORCEMENT

–Irene Garcia
Lakewood

We are both so sorry for the loss of Randy Simmons. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and fellow officers. Thank God for people like Randy Simmons and James Veenstra who dedicate their lives to protecting the rest of us…we are very grateful for their service. James Veenstra will be in our prayers for a full recovery and we will keep his family in our prayers as well.

Sincerely,
–Ron and Peggy V

To the Simmons Family,

My heart goes out to you. Although I never met Mr. Simmons, his life story has touched the very core of my spirit. I can’t stop crying and thinking about what a wonderful person and the impact he had on so many people. But I do know that Mr. Simmons served an awesome God and the promise from God will to turn this evil tragedy into something good. My prayer is that the young people will continue Mr. Simmons legacy and honor him by building their lives solid as a “rock” and to always put God first in all that they do. May God’s love and peace comfort you during this time.

Blessings,
–Rhonda
Lakewood

Dear Simmons family,

I will always keep you in my prayers. May God bless you always. Randy was a lovely person and I knew him well.

–Henrietta West
Orthopedic Hospital Foundation

My deepest heartfelt sympathies to the family of Randy Simmons. I remember Randy well from my high school days and will miss him deeply. May God bless his soul.

–Rhonda

To the family of Officer Randal Simmons:My prayers and condolences go out to the family of Officer Randy Simmons. There is an old saying, ‘The Good Die Young”, and Randy was that GOOD. I did not know either officers but my fiancé, who is retired from the SWAT Unit of the Los Angeles Police Dept. knew them very well. In fact, he ran into Randy and Officer Veenstra, who he affectionately called (JIMMY V), Two weeks ago at the credit union. He came home to tell me about their encounter and said how they laughed because they were bringing up old times. He said Randy was such a good Christian and powerful man, not only in size, but in spirit. He remembered that at all the SWAT dinners Randy would lead them in prayer. We were both devastated when we heard the news. I know that these officers, whether in SWAT or Patrol on the streets, are truly dedicated individuals who should be looked at with PRAISE. Randy gave his life doing what he loved to do, TO PROTECT AND SERVE. Whatever God sent Randy on this earth to do it has been accomplished so he said, “Son come on home now, your job here is done”. Through his death I feel that the people of Los Angeles will realize that LAPD officers and the SWAT team is here to help them and ready to put their lives on the line for them. GOD bless all the Police Officers and I pray for a speedy recovery for Officer Veenstra. I know we will all see Officer Randy Simmons again, he has just GONE HOME.

Sincerely,
–Leslie

Dear Lisa, Gabby & Matthew,

We are so very saddened over your loss. Randy touched so many lives and hearts. We feel so much sorrow for your family and though words will never take the pain and sorrow away remember that God always has a plan. Randy has touched so many lives and done so much for others that his service was done and God wanted him home with him. Lean on the strength of wonderful memories and touching moments. We have known your family for many years while our girls have grown up together at Trinity and you all have always been such a blessing to us. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time.

Love,
–Patrica, Brianna & Nathan M I am very sorry for what happened yesterday I hope that this never happens again in the LAPD & SWAT Members and The Veenstra Family: I hope that you get well, I know how hard is it to feel how you do, so get better soon.

Love
–Jeff

Yesterday I woke up to the awful news that two officers were down in a shooting in Winnetka, one fatally. My heart goes out to the Simmons family, the LAPD and the City of Los Angeles for the tragic loss of a special human being. Rest in peace, Officer Simmons. Speedy recovery, Officer Veenstra. We need you.

–Judith F
Woodland Hills Randall Simmons was well known to those of us who volunteer at the Children’s Christmas Party at Orthopedic Hospital. He was large, warm, kind and firm. We enjoyed his dry sense of humor. He loved children and everyone loved him. Randall touched many lives and he was a positive role model for the LAPD and SWAT. He made a wonderful impression on our son who will be a fan of SWAT forever. Andy looked forward to seeing Randall and “the SWAT guys” at the hospital when we volunteered at Christmas. We are all immensely saddened by his loss and our hearts go out to his family and friends and to the communities he served so well.–Priscilla R
Las Amigas de Las Lomas I went to Fairfax High with Randy… many of us who did have been on the phone since we received this tragic news… everyone of us is saddened beyond comprehension and in reminiscing, only the kindest words have been exchanged with the utmost respect and affection. Randy always had a smile and nothing less than a kind word for everyone who crossed his path, and this was how he was in high school, a time when many kids are self absorbed, not Randy, he was always sincere and genuinely caring. To his wife, children, parents, sibling and fellow officers, our condolences. This is a massive loss. To Randy, a huge hug and thank you for everything.

-- Bess GW

Rest in peace, brother.
–OC Sheriff

I wanted to send my condolences to the Simmons Family! I have said a prayer for your family that you may be comforted with peace during this time that only God can give. I also have said a prayer for Officer James Vennstra for a speedy recovery and peace to his wife and family as well.

–Govjayna D

To my friend Randy,

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.

–Ralph W

I met Randy 27 years ago at muscle beach lifting weights. He was just out of the academy eager and excited about his new job and ready to make a difference. Randy was seriously committed to being physically fit and it was with that same commitment he would approach life. I had not seen Randy in about 12 years but anyone that knew him knows that one he accepted you as a friend you were a friend for life. I have lost a friend, his family has lost a loved one but the world has lost a true humanitarian, RIP. My condolences to the family.

–Joe

I wish to offer condolences to the family of Officer Simmons. I can see that he was an outstanding individual and a caring, giving person. It is so sad to see a badly needed role model no longer with us. But he will not be forgotten and his excellent example of what a man really is will live on in the hearts of those who he helped and those who know him.

–C. Williams

To ALL of the Personnel involved in the incident Wednesday Night,

I spent a “terrifying night” alone only a few blocks just northeast from the scene and would like to commend all of you for the tremendous effort you put forth in trying to stop this situation. I heard the first police response at 9:00 p.m. and continued to know not what was going on, but the seriousness of the situation, as more and more vehicles passed our home, the helicopters all night, the pleading with the suspect to come out, more helicopters, the tear gas explosions, the flash grenade explosion, the gun shots, the fire, the quiet and then the cloud of smoke settling and the acrid odor of the remaining “tear gas” and the feeling of discomfort in my eyes. I could not go to work yesterday, as I was afraid I would not be able to get back home. My thanks to the Media for their coverage of this situation. We oftentimes complain about the Media but yesterday they were our “eyes” to this situation. We could hear what was going on, but to see it, the Media was the only way that any of us knew what was occurring.

To the Personnel at Northridge Medical Center:

I know the care that Officers Simmons and Veenstra received was top notch as I have recently been to your Emergency Room on 4-5 different occasions in the last 7 months and have seen the Trauma Teams in action. I know your efforts were as heroic for these Officers as they were for my family member. It must have been terribly difficult for you also not really knowing how many more patients you were going to be receiving as this incident progressed. We must remember the Rivera family with our condolences also. They did not choose this. I commend all of you who were involved in the horrific incident and send my express condolences to the Simmons family and best wishes to the Veenstra family for Officer Veenstra’s speedy recovery. Oh, what a night.

–Cathy

To the Simmons and Veenstra Families,

Randy and James are true heroes. My family and I express our deepest sympathies for Randy and his family and wish James a speedy recovery. We wish to thank both families for the sacrifices they have made so that Randy and James could serve their community with pride. Our thoughts and prayers go out to both families.

–Sgt. Kelly C
Brea PD

I played a superhero on television’s ‘Who Wants To Be A Superhero,’ I played the iron/dark enforcer, mine was a fictional character, after watching the news story about the brave officer and all the amazing lives he touched through the years, adults and children alike, I am humbled beyond belief, who is the real superhero? Mr. Simmons is. My deepest deepest condolences to the family.

–Steel C

We are thankful to have brave men and woman like Officer Simmons and Veenstra to help us in times of need. I am so sorry for the loss of Officer Simmons’ life in the line of duty and we hope for a recovery for Officer Veenstra. My families’ prayers go out to their families.

–Mary D

To the entire Los Angeles Police Dept.,

Our hearts and prayers go out to you all. We do deeply appreciate what you all do on a daily basis as a job/career. Prayers especially to slain SWAT officer Simmons and his family. Get well to the surviving SWAT officer and his family. We also pray for the victims’ family for their loss. But know this, you all make our city a much better place to live.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL

–Phyllis W
Pomona, CA

Dear Matt & Family:

We are so very saddened over the devastating loss of your Dad. Words can’t describe the deep sorrow we feel in our hearts. He was a gentle giant whose presence will be missed in the bleachers at Bishop. He had such kind words for my son Ricky..he really cared. He had tremendous impact in this world. God be with you and your family.

–Bishop Mom of Ricky “scarface” Herrera
Kathy Herrera

To the Simmons Family,

What a terrible loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. As the wife of a police officer, I know all too well that at any moment, on any call, my husband could be taken away. Officer Simmons sounded like such a wonderful man and an experienced officer who touched the lives of so many people. Thank You Officer Simmons for all your hard work. I am sure God will have a special place for you up in Heaven.

–Candace B.
Covina Police Department

I want to send a Prayer to the family of Mr. Randy Simmons. We have lost a cold Soldier in the game. There is a plan for all of us, but it’s a wonder why it had to be him. There’s a huge loss in the world. We need to all be closer to my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. Life will happen before you know it. It’s over…Stay prayed up.

–Me’Lang Harris

I did not know either officer. But my heart ache when ever I hear of any officer being gunned down while during their jobs. My sympathy goes out to Officer Randy’s family. May God be near them through their grieving and may their healing be quick. He will always remain close to your hearts. My prayers go out to Officer Veenster for a speedy recovery.

To the Simmons family;

Our prayers and condolences goes out to the Simmons’s Family. Blessed are those who mourn; for they shall be comforted. Thank God for our hero, Randy Simmons. Officer Veenstra; Wishing you a speedy recovery. May God bless you and your family in this difficult time.

-IAL & Family
Sunland

I want pass along my deepest condolences to the entire family, friends & to the L.A.P.D. for Officer Randy Simmons. I hope for a speedy recovery to Officer James Veenstra. Without Officers like Simmons & Veenstra I wouldn’t feel safe. Everyone needs to be thankful that we have such brave Police Officers that put their lives on the line everyday to Protect & Serve people that they don’t even know.

–Carl
Sylmar, CA

Wrds cannot heal the pain of losing someone so dear. May the memories held deep within your heart help to soothe you.May God give you the strength to overcome the pain…

All are in our thoughts and prayers,
–The Ponce Family - Pacoima

I had not seen Randy for years, but when I heard the news, I cried like I have lost a best friend he was a person with kind heart and a blessed soul. My heartfelt prayers go out to the family and to all families that have been touch by this event…….WE LOST A GREAT MAN

-Kim, Los Angeles

Aunt Connie,

I have been calling to offer condolences from my family and I but have been unable to reach anyone (I will continue trying). We were so upset to hear about cousin Randy. I can remember he and Gina trying to learn dance steps in Aunt Anne’s basement. We are proud of his great service to his community and family! It is a Shame that distance and time can cause us to loose touch. Bernadette and I often speak of you, Randy, and Gina. Our love goes out to you all. Randy will be missed but not forgatten.

–Cousin Skip

To the Simmons Family:
I did not know Randal Simmons, but from all of the many heartfelt comments, he was truly an extraordinary man. It’s difficult to type was because I know his spirit lives on in the hearts of many. I felt compelled to write to you and express my sincere condolences and extend my prayers to you. Someone that knew Randal wrote “I am sure, that Randy heard the words: “Well done. My good and faithful servant. Enter into my Kingdom…” I felt these words and believe them to be true. May your faith, your family & friends comfort you in the days ahead and please know that there are many like me that are raising you up in prayer. To the Veenstra Family: I will continue to pray for the complete and speedy recovery of James Veenstra. As you all face the challenges ahead please know that there are many of us praying for all of you and that we are truly appreciative of the sacrifices Officer Veenstra and the many others make on a daily basis to keep us all safe. To the Rivera Family: As we all struggle to comprehend why anyone would commit such a horrific act of violence, we must also remember that your family has also suffered a terrible loss. Please know that your family is also being raised in prayer.

-B.
To: Lisa and the entire Simmons Family

I would like to take this time and give my condolences to you and Your family. I have heard so many wonderful things about how your Husband has helped the youth in this town. He was an inspiration To many, the lost will be greatly felt. Randy was one who let his light shine on all he did. I am praying that God will see you through this difficult time. To the Veenstra Family, I am praying for a speedy recovery And that God will see you through.

–Bethtenia and Family, Compton/L.A.

Thank you to the Simmons Family and Officer Veenstra,

I’m also a future police officer me and my brother and collies .We know what are duties are once we show up at our Post and we take this job and we do it with pride & Honor. I want to thank the families of these two officers for their support and sacrifice. Our prayers & Heart goes out to you and your loving Families.

Central Station Explores
Post # 1
-Ashley & Arthur Ponce, LA CA

My former husband, Sgt. Steve Moore worked with both Randy and Jim in Metro. He always spoke very highly of both men and enjoyed working with them. I was saddened to hear of Randy’s death and Jim’s injuries. To Randy’s family, you will have him in your hearts forever, always looking down on you to protect and guide you. To Jim, my best wishes to you for a successful recovery. Randy will be beside you to keep you strong. God Bless you all.

–Maria Moore

To the Brave families of Officer Simmons and Officer Veenstra,

I want to send my deepest condolences to both families. Officer Simmons gave his life doing what I am sure he loved to do. I am the soon-to-be wife of a current SWAT officer for the Beverly Hills Police Department and can’t imagine what both families are going through. I was so relieved to hear that Officer Veenstra survived such a harrowing even but so deeply saddened to see that one of our own brothers had passed. It is like losing a family member, even though we may have never met, there is something about the closeness of all officers and their families. I know that when it all comes down to it, we all unite and become one. Sitting with my fiancée’ yesterday morning watching the news and seeing how it had unfolded the night before was torture for us. I know how hard it is once they get “that call” to let them go, but it has to be done. All I can tell him before he walks out that door is “I love you” and “Please be careful”. I am truly saddened by this and send my deepest sympathy and condolences. I know that Officer Simmons is and always will be a true hero, doing what I am sure was his passion. I know that one day we will all meet again.

“Don’t be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.” Richard Bach, (Illusions)

Sincerely,

Nina G.

My heart and prayers go out to Officer Randy Simmons’ wife, children, parents, and siblings. May God help them through this tragedy. I know he will be missed by many. I also wish a speedy recovery to another hero, Officer Veenstra. Although he was badly injured and will face a long recovery period, his guardian angel was with him. May this guardian angel help him through this very difficult time. I am the mother of an LAPD officer, at the Van Nuys Station, who after 20 years in the Air Force chose law enforcement as his next career. Believe me, his wife and I worry about him every single day. But he loves his work, as did Officers Simmons and Veenstra.

–Daisy D.
Laguna Woods

My prayers go out to the families of both of these heroes. These men are the real heroes putting their lives on the line for the war right here in this country. Rest in peace Randy. May God hold a special place for a special hero. Officer Veenstra I wish you a speedy recovery. May God bless you.

–K. Green
San Bernardino

To our Beloved Heroes,

I am deeply sorry for the last of our hero Randal Simons. I thank God for him and for his devotion for all of us. His heroics actions will not be forgotten. May The Lord give the peace that surpasses all understanding to his beloved family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We’re praying for Randy and his family. We know he’s with Jesus. What a wonderful person!

-Martha Lopez

Blessings
–B and B
Denver,Colorado
Dear Lisa & Family,

Randy would assist me at church (Agape Christian Fellowship L.A, Ca)
All I had to do was call. You remember. When he was available he would come…Faithful & Loving I love Randy…listening to the news from NJ, I thought …. I have a friend and brother who is a LAPD SWAT member. Lightening struck in my heart when I heard his name… Ohhh the pain. The emotional rush led me to prayer. Lisa you are in my heart! Rest in the Peace of God and the Holy Spirit.
Such a good brother…My prayers are rising as I write this… Be encouraged…Randy’s death was a door into the presence of God. Love and Forgiveness can settle your heart… Randy is not in pain so allow the work of the Holy Spirit to take you to peace beyond your natural understanding and remain in that place of rest. God’s grace is sufficient! God Bless You! Love You! Lisa & Family

–Drs. Winston & Drucilla Lindsey, Pastor
Friends Fellowship Ministries Vineland, NJ

I was introduced to Randy several years ago. I will never forget his charisma and chemistry with people. Just saw him a couple of weeks ago the Police Academy. He still had the great smile and warmth for everyone that he talked to. After a concluding my own 31-year LAPD career I realized what a unique and special police officer he was. I can only say a very heart felt I am so sorry to the loved ones and friends of Randy. We will never forget him. –G.Uribe retired LAPD
As the sister of a Hermosa Beach Police Officer and a U.S. ICE Agent as
well as the Sister-In-Law of a Inglewood Police officer, my heart goes
out to the families affected by this tragedy. This is a horrible
tragedy not only for LAPD but the police “family” as a whole. We should
all take time at some point in our lives to thank the men and women of
law enforcement agencies everywhere as they ARE the ones who give 110%
day in and day out to keep our streets safe not only for us but for our
kids. Let’s not forget Officer Veenstra as we wish him a healthy and speedy
recovery! God Bless Officer Simmons and his immediate family my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours and this sad time.

–Estelle P.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the Simmons family during this very, very difficult time in their life. Although I didn’t know Officer Simmons, I know he was a true soldier in keeping our City safe. From what I have heard, he was a dedicated person to our God, his family, and his job. He will truly be missed. I live in the Winnetka area and was so shocked when I heard about this tragedy. It’s a great community and I’m proud to be a resident here, but sad that this had to happen. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Veenstra family. God has wrapped his arms around Officer Veenstra and will not let go until he is better. Thank you Officer Veenstra for your bravery. May God bless both families and help them get this difficult time.

–Sylvia H., Winnetka

I just wanted the families of Officer Simmons and Officer Veenstra to know that the public really cares. We are so devastated at the loss of Officer Simmons and pray for his whole family. We pray too, for a full recovery of Officer Veenstra.

Blessings,

–Julie Michaels

Dear Jim,

My dad heard about the shootout yesterday when Glen did not come to do the gardening. Both of our parents are praying for you and so are we. Rick will actually be in LA for the next week and will be praying for you. He was already planning to see Glen while he is there. I was so pleased to hear about the good character of your partner Randy Simmons. We also pray for his family during this time. We pray for your complete healing and speedy recovery, and also the ability to go on, holding on to your faith. God has seen your good works and He will reward you. We are very privileged to know you since high school, and hope to keep in touch at least through Glen so that we can get updates of your recovery. May God pour out His love on you right now and heal you in every way. May He also comfort you as you hold on to Him and He also will hold on to you. God bless you richly.

Lots of love,

–Rick and Ellen Coffin
PS We have been in Delhi, India for almost 3 years now with the vineyard.

My name is Erica Craig, daughter of Captain James Craig of the SW District of the LAPD. When my father called me last night to tell me that his long time friend, former police academy classmate and someone who I considered an uncle died in an attempt to apprehend a suspect after a long stand off, my heart sunk with the mere thought of not ever being able to ask my father, how is Randy and does he ask about me? Randy was one of the only friends my father had that I truly cared for as much as I would a family member. I would always show off to all of my friends the small scene he had in the movie XXX, saying, that’s my dad’s friend Randy he’s a apart of the LAPD SWAT Team. I live in Atlanta, so because of my distance I’m not able to display in person my condolences to my father and Randy’s family for their loss. The only thing that makes me feel better is knowing that he is truly in a better place. God Bless you Randy and his wife and children.

Sincerely,

–Erica J. Craig
To the family Ofcr Simmons and Ofcr Veenstra,

I am currently part of the LAPD family and when I heard the news yesterday it really hit home and makes you realize how short life can be. I didn’t know Ofcr Simmons personally, but when you are LAPD they are your brothers and sisters. I’m saddened by the loss and I know the entire LAPD is also. He had such an influence on the department and as well in the community. The children that he touched will want to grow up and be just like him. I know now he is my idol.

God Bless,

–Rob
To the family and love ones of Officer Simmons—

Words cannot express the deep sadness we feel for your loss— my husband is an officer for Phoenix Special Assignments Unit and although it is a different department, we feel as if we have lost one of our own. May God be with you through this sorrowful time and provide you comfort in the days to come.

Rest in Peace,

–Randal

Randy and I were former colleagues in LAPD and former roommates. He was a great person with an extraordinary strength of character and integrity. He had truly a divine spirit emanating from his personality. I know that his good works on the police department and in the community will leave a living legacy. Few have done in a lifetime compared to what Randy Simmons accomplished in just 27 years. My heart and prayers go out to his wife, children, family and friends.

–Garland Hardaman
LAPD, Ret.

Thank you LAPD,
Thank you for keeping our neighborhoods safe day after day,
With little if any recognition,
For putting up with the hassles and sacrifices that go unnoticed.
Thank you for keeping my family safe last night,
and for the sacrifice of one of your best men, by any standard!

Thank you to the Simmons Family for the sacrifice you have made,
May God bless you and Randal with tremendous treasures that you have stored up in heaven,
As one who lives within a couple of blocks of this tragedy,
I mourn for the sacrifices you made to keep us safe. But let our mourning become
something that motivates us to positive action.

We owe you more that we could ever repay.
And so I find myself left only with the ability to pray,