March 25, 2008The Police Commission unanimously signed off Tuesday on a plan to name the LAPD’s new SWAT headquarters for Officer Randy Simmons, who last month became the department’s first SWAT officer to die in the line of duty.

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.

The naming proposal must still be approved by the Los Angeles City Council.

Simmons, 51, was shot and killed Feb. 7 in a standoff with a young man who killed his father and two brothers inside a Winnetka home before he was shot by police.

There are currently no LAPD facilities named after individuals who were not chiefs of the department.

Anaheim Ducks to honor SWAT’s Simmons

From wire reports

Article Launched: 03/26/2008 06:51:57 AM PDT

Randall Simmons

ANAHEIM - The Anaheim Ducks will pay tribute to slain Los Angeles Police Department SWAT Officer Randal Simmons and his partner James Veenstra at tonight’s game at Honda Center against the Los Angeles Kings.

A moment of silence will be held for Simmons and a video presentation celebrating his life and service will be shown. Veenstra will drop the ceremonial first puck.

Several season ticket holders donated their tickets and Golden State Foods donated its suite so Simmons and Veenstra’s fellow officers could attend the sold-out game, according to Alex Gilchrist, the Ducks’ director of media & communications.

More than two dozen officers are expected to be in attendance to pay tribute to Simmons, the first SWAT officer to die in the line of duty, Gilchrist said.

Officer Rob Melchior, a SWAT member, helped organize the tribute.

“It is important for the public to know the sacrifices we make as police officers and Randy made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Melchior, a longtime Ducks fan. “Our whole team has been severely affected by this tragedy.”

Simmons, 51, was shot and killed Feb. 7 in a standoff with a young man who had killed his father and two brothers inside a Winnetka home. The man was killed by other officers.

Veenstra was struck in the face by a bullet.

“The men and women of law enforcement spend countless hours on the job each day to assure the safety of our communities,” said Tim Ryan, the Ducks’ executive vice president and chief operating officer and president and chief executive officer of Honda Cent

“It will be our pleasure to recognize specifically the efforts of officers Veenstra and Simmons this Wednesday night.”

The Police Commission unanimously approved a proposal yesterday to name the LAPD’s new SWAT headquarters for Simmons.

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Los Angeles Police Foundation and TalkRadio 790
KABC announced today the establishment of the Officer Randal Simmons Memorial
Scholarship Fund in honor of the fallen SWAT officer.
The scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors of the Los Angeles Police Academy Magnet School Program who are planning careers in law enforcement.    “The Los Angeles Police Foundation is pleased to have KABC as our partner,” said Karen Wagener, president of the Los Angeles Police Foundation.    “It is a privilege to honor the memory of Randy Simmons with scholarships that will enable young people to follow in his footsteps as police officers, serving our great community. We encourage your listeners to give generously.”

Donations made be made online at www.KABC.com. Checks may also be made payable to the Los Angeles Police Foundation and mailed to TalkRadio 790 KABC Community Relations, P.O. Box 790, Los Angeles, CA 90016.    Simmons died Feb. 7 during a standoff in Winnetka. He is the first LAPD SWAT officer to die in the line of duty.

Today, the staff of LAPD’s Southwest Division, presented Capt. James Craig, Commanding Officer, Southwest Area. (best man at Randy Simmons wedding) a special plaque honoring the memory of Randy Simmons and their friendship.

LAPD Centurions Retire #17 Randy Simmons Jersey - Click to view video

The LAPD Centurion Football Team Dedicates the 2008 Season, Our 30th Year of “playing football for kids”,to Fallen Alumni Officer III+I Randal Simmons:

As the LAPD Centurions prepare for their 30 th season of playing football for kids they morn the recent death of Centurion Alumni, Police Officer III+I Randal Simmons. Officer Simmons played for the Centurions for over 10 years in the 1980s and early 1990s. The Centurions are dedicating the 2008 season to Officer Simmons. The team will be wearing his number, “17”, on their helmets and striving to win the Championship title in his name.

SWAT Officers Running in memory of Randy Simmons

A group of about 30 SWAT officers from the Los Angeles Police Department were running as part of a memorial dedicated to Officer Randal Simmons, who died in the line of duty last month.

Some of the officers ran the race as a relay, carrying a torch that was handed off every three miles until it was finally passed to Simmons’ teenage son, Matthew, who carried the flame from mile 25 to the finish line.

“It was an honor and a privilege to run for my father,” Matthew said. “I’m sure he’s looking down and is pleased.”

View Video coverage

SWAT team passes the torch for fallen comrade

By Jill Painter Staff Writer _ Los Angeles Protective League

With about 30 LAPD SWAT members around him, Matt Simmons took a torch and ran the final mile of the Los Angeles Marathon.

Matt is a sprinter, not a distance runner, but he was pushed through the streets of downtown by cheers, inspirational messages like “keep your head up” and well wishes.

He ran the final leg of a relay celebrating his dad’s life with 30 men he calls uncles.

Matt is the 15-year-old son of LAPD officer Randal Simmons, who was shot and killed by a gunman in Winnetka last month.

Simmons’ colleagues honored him by lighting the torch at the start of the marathon and passing it between the hands of 30 members of the SWAT team, culminating with Matt.

“It meant a lot to honor him,” Matt said. “It was a privilege. I’m sure my father would’ve been very happy.”

Randall, 51, once did the L.A. Marathon by pushing a quadriplegic in a wheelchair all 26.2 miles. He didn’t like to run much, Matt said, but he did it to stay healthy.

Matt, a sophomore at Bishop Montgomery High in Torrance, spent the morning at a football combine at the HomeDepot Center before he anchored the marathon relay.

Randal’s wife, Lisa, and daughter, Gabrielle, were at the finish line. Afterward, Gabrielle held a framed shadow box with a picture of Simmons and a medal for completing the marathon.

“I know a lot of people cared,” Gabrielle said.

Members of the Simmons family, friends and relay runners wore white T-shirts which had a picture of him on the back.

Every mile, a new officer took the torch to honor Simmons. Simmons’ mother, Constance, called her son her “Gentle Giant,” a nickname she gave him after his death. His wife said he’s become an icon. To others, he was friend, mentor and LAPD partner.

SWAT team officer James Hart lit the torch and started the race in front of photographers at the start line. He was awed by the reception from people lining the streets and honking their horns.

“It was very emotional,” Hart said. “When we made our way downtown, the accolades were overwhelming. We appreciate the citizens and good people of this city.”

SWAT officer James Veenstra, who was shot in the jaw by the same gunman that killed Simmons, thanked everyone for cards, encouragement and prayers.

His wife, LAPD captain Michelle Veenstra, stood by his side as he made a statement.

“The healing process couldn’t happen without it,” Veenstra said. “I’ll try to send out thank yous, but I’ll probably miss some folks. To those who bolstered us up in a hard time, we appreciate it, and we’re indebted to them.”

The LAPD Centurion Football Team Dedicates the 2008 Season, Our 30th Year of “playing football for kids”,to Fallen Alumni Officer III+I Randal Simmons:

As the LAPD Centurions prepare for their 30 th season of playing football for kids they morn the recent death of Centurion Alumni, Police Officer III+I Randal Simmons. Officer Simmons played for the Centurions for over 10 years in the 1980s and early 1990s. The Centurions are dedicating the 2008 season to Officer Simmons. The team will be wearing his number, “17”, on their helmets and striving to win the Championship title in his name.

On February 23, 2008, at 2:00 PM, in Colton, California the Centurions went up against the Inland Empire Enforcers. The Enforcers donated $2500 to the Simmon’s family from the proceeds of the game. Please join us at the Centurions’ first home game on March 8, 2008, where the proceeds will also be donated to the Simmon’s family. There will be a special half-time to honor Randy and his family with a ceremony to retire his jersey.

LAPD Centurion Website

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–March 1, 2001

On your mark, get set, go! Those are the words that echo through the ears of thousands of runners who complete the Los Angeles Marathon annually. To them, feeling the thrill of competition and the exhilaration of running across the finish line is unparalleled. Johnny Garcia, age 15, thought he would never know the feeling of running across a finish line, because he was born with cerebral palsy, a disorder that affects muscle control, resulting in poor coordination and balance or abnormal movement patterns.

After 18 surgeries at Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital on Johnny’s feet, legs, back, and ankle, he is able to walk with a walker and take part in activities previously thought impossible. Now, on March 4th, Johnny will be able to pursue his dream of participating in the Los Angeles Marathon, with the help of his friends on the LAPD SWAT Team, who will push him in a wheelchair during the race.

“I’m excited to be able to participate in the Marathon,” exclaimed Johnny Garcia. “And with LAPD SWAT Team helping me, it’s really unbelievable. I like those guys and maybe someday I can be on the SWAT Team,” he said. Johnny’s mother, Carmen Garcia, added, “Orthopaedic Hospital and the therapy department have been very good to Johnny. Everyone at the Hospital really cares about the patients.”

Twenty-six SWAT Team officers will take turns pushing Johnny in a special lightweight, sports wheelchair as they run 26.2 miles in the world’s fourth largest marathon. This experience allows youngsters, like Johnny, to participate in an event of such magnitude.

“We are truly grateful to the LAPD SWAT Team for being such strong supporters of Orthopaedic Hospital, and for giving Johnny this once in a lifetime opportunity to complete the LA Marathon,” said Eloise Helwig, President of Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital Foundation. “SWAT’s ongoing support of the Hospital is greatly appreciated, and it truly brightens the lives of our children who get to meet these real life heroes,” she added.

Many Orthopaedic Hospital pediatric and adult patients have serious medical conditions that prohibit them from running or walking. Orthopaedic Hospital has been dedicated to treating underinsured children with crippling disorders, without regard to their family’s ability to pay. For many years, LAPD SWAT has been supportive of Orthopaedic Hospital’s efforts and gives hope and inspiration to hospitalized children. A variety of events, including an annual Holiday parade and toy drive, as well as the Los Angeles Marathon, have further strengthened the bond between the two organizations.

“Helping Johnny achieve his wish of completing a marathon is something that motivates all of us, and provides us with a perspective on life,” said Lt. Mike Albanese of the LAPD SWAT Team. “It’s the children who are treated at Orthopaedic Hospital who are our real heroes,” he added.

Since 1967, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Special Weapons And Tactics Team (SWAT) has provided a ready response to situations that were beyond the capabilities of normally equipped and trained Department personnel. Since its inception, LAPD SWAT Team members have effected the safe rescue of numerous hostages, arrested scores of violent suspects and earned hundreds of commendations and citations, including several Medals of Valor, the Department’s highest award for heroism in the line of duty. Today, the LAPD SWAT Team is known worldwide as one of the foremost police tactical units in contemporary law enforcement.

Located in the heart of Los Angeles, Orthopaedic Hospital is a recognized world leader in research, teaching and patient care in orthopaedic medicine, resulting in an improved quality of life for children and adults with crippling diseases. For over 88 years, Orthopaedic Hospital has been helping children afflicted with crippling conditions receive the finest care in the world and lead healthy, active lives without regard to the family’s ability to pay. The Orthopaedic Hospital Foundation supports the Hospital through a variety of fund-raising activities, including the annual Paul Runyan Golf Tournament, which provides monetary support for the Hospital to help countless children. For more information about Orthopaedic Hospital Foundation, please visit the website at www.orthohospital.org, or call (213) 742-1500.

Wounded LAPD officer thanks public for support

The Associated Press

Article Launched: 03/02/2008 01:47:26 PM PST

LOS ANGELES—A police officer who was wounded last month in a San Fernando Valley shootout that killed his colleague is offering thanks for the support he and his family have received.James Veenstra spoke Sunday after about 30 officers ran a torch relay in the Los Angeles Marathon in memory of Randal Simmons, the city’s first SWAT officer slain in the line of duty.

Veenstra is recovering after being shot in the jaw. He and the officers wore shirts with a picture of Simmons that read “Pass the Torch.”

Veenstra says he’s grateful for the outpouring of sympathy he received after being injured in the line of duty.

The 51-year-old says “The healing process wouldn’t have begun without it.”

Outpouring of respect, donations continues for Simmons, his family
Slain SWAT officer prized as Fairfax grad

Angelenos on Saturday honored slain Los Angeles Police Department Officer Randal Simmons, with high schoolers from his alma mater dedicating a baseball season to him while others washed cars to raise money for his family.Fairfax High School’s baseball team dedicated its 2008 season to the officer in a midmorning ceremony. Simmons, a SWAT team member who was killed during a shootout with an armed man in Winnetka last month, graduated from the school in 1974.

With a smile, Lisa Simmons accepted a glass plaque in her late husband’s honor, telling the assembled baseball players, fans and families about his fondness for the campus.

“This was my husband’s school. He loved Fairfax,” she said, clutching the plaque. “I know he’s looking down, smiling.”

The widow of the former cop, who doubled as a minister, said her husband would have told the kids to stay in school and stay off drugs.

“God wants you to have a good life,” she said. “That’s what you were designed for.”

She grinned and called out the school’s pregame battle cry: “Fairfax, you ready?”

The players responded: “You know!”

As they left the field to the sound of applause, Simmons’ 15-year-old son, Matthew, said his father had come back to visit Fairfax High School about a year ago.

“He said it’s beautiful now,” Matthew Simmons said. “He would be happy.”

At Reseda High School, about 80 kids in the Police Academy Magnet program braved
the cool, cloudy weather and hosed down hundreds of cars, collecting money that would go to help the family Simmons left behind.The magnet program puts students on track for careers in law enforcement. Several of the kids who were there washing and vacuuming cars - for $5 to $7 a pop - had attended Simmons’ funeral.

“I cried. It was a very gloomy day,” said Amanda Lillard, a 17-year-old senior. “When you hear that - someone risking their life to save another - you want to go. … His legacy will live on forever. He’s a hero.”

Simmons and his partner, Officer James Veenstra, were shot Feb. 7 during a gunbattle that ended an 11-hour standoff. It began after 20-year-old Edwin Garcia killed three family members and told police to “come get me.”

Simmons was the first LAPD Special Weapons and Tactics officer killed in the line of duty. Veenstra was seriously wounded but was released from the hospital to attend his partner’s funeral.

An LAPD sniper killed Garcia as he fled from his family’s house, which caught fire after police fired flash-bang grenades inside to smoke him out.

On Saturday, several other groups also put on fundraising events to benefit the officers. The San Fernando Valley Jaycees held a pizza benefit at California Pizza Kitchen.

Niko’s Pizzeria in San Pedro said it would donate 50 percent of the restaurant’s Saturday sales proceeds to Simmons’ widow and two children. Two weeks ago, owners of a Burger King near downtown Los Angeles raised $75,000 for the family.

And today, 30 LAPD officers will run in the Los Angeles Marathon in honor of Simmons.

“It’s comforting, having all the outpouring of love,” Lisa Simmons said. “We can’t mourn his death. We have to celebrate his 51 years of life.”

SWAT officers to run L.A. Marathon in tribute to Simmons
A team of 30 will conduct a torch relay during Sunday’s race to salute SWAT officer killed in Feb. 7 shootout.
March 1, 2008

A team of 30 SWAT officers will run a torch relay during Sunday’s Los Angeles Marathon in tribute to Randal Simmons, the SWAT officer killed Feb. 7 in a shootout in Winnetka.

Simmons’ 15-year-old son, Matt, will run the final 1.2 miles with the officers.

They hope to raise money to fund Matt’s education and that of his 12-year-old sister, Gabrielle, who will stand at the finish line with Simmons’ widow, Lisa.

“Every single road that we’re running on, Randy worked as a uniformed officer or he worked there as a SWAT officer,” Sgt. Charles Buttitta, Simmons’ supervisor, said Friday.

“So he provided protection for all the people that live on those roads, the businesses that operate on those roads. This is a way for us to honor that.”

Race organizers set a head start of 19 minutes 38 seconds for the elite women’s field. The first person across the finish line will earn a $100,000 bonus, with an additional $20,000 for the men’s and women’s divisions.

The rest of the field will start at 8:15 a.m. at Universal Studios, preceded by the wheelchair division start at 7:55. The bike tour will start at 5:45 at Figueroa Street, near the Coliseum.

Fundraising Dinner to Benefit LAPD SWAT Officers

Join the San Fernando Valley Jaycees at California Pizza Kitchen for a flavorsome fundraising event. On Saturday, March 1 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., proceeds from meals at California Pizza Kitchen at Topanga Plaza Mall - upon presentation of the coupon below - will benefit the families of LAPD SWAT Officers Randall Simmons and James Veenstra.

Officers Simmons was the first SWAT Officer killed in the line of duty, when he was with the SWAT team that responded to a hostage situation in the West Valley. Officer Veenstra was also shot and critically injured that day.

Saturday, March 1, 2008, 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
California Pizza Kitchen, Westfield Topanga Plaza, 6600 Topanga Cyn. Blvd., Canoga Park