A park’s play area is named for the LAPD officer who was shot to death during a February raid in the area. It is hoped to rename the entire park after him.

By Jean-Paul Renaud, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
1:39 PM PDT, July 26, 2008

Several hundred police police officers, San Fernando Valley residents and dignitaries gathered this morning at West Valley Park in Reseda to rename the children’s play area in honor slain SWAT Officer Randal D. Simmons, who was killed in the line of duty and has been hailed as hero for his police work and community service.

Councilman Dennis Zine, who unveiled a plaque as the fallen officer’s wife and children looked on, is behind a movement to rename the entire park in honor of Simmons, who was shot to death during a SWAT raid in February at a Winnetka house.

“He loved kids, he always loved children, he was a SWAT guy with a huge heart,” Zine said. “This was a perfect connection.”

The plaque describes Simmons as a “leading light to his friends and family. He will be sorely missed by all.”

Besides his police work, Simmons volunteered on the streets of inner-city neighborhoods where he ministered to children on weekends as part of a church group he founded called Glory Kids Ministries, which steers children away from gangs and toward Christianity.

“It was just a way to show continuing respect for Randy and his unique part in helping kids,” Zine said. “That’s why the park was a perfect location.”

Zine said he will introduce a motion Tuesday at the Los Angeles City Council to rename the park.

jp.renaud@latimes.com

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Los Angeles, July 16 2008 - Memorial billboards posted in honor of LAPD Officer Randal Simmons will be installed this week around Southern California.

The 20 billboards for the slain officer thank the community for their many expressions of caring and support. “Our family wanted to find a visible way to express our sincere appreciation for the outpouring of love, support and prayers that we have received from everyone around the world. The cards, flowers and words of condolences are too numerous to count,” said Lisa Simmons, wife of Randal Simmons

The first billboard went up today in Los Angeles at Florence Avenue, just west of 5^th Avenue, on Clear Channel Outdoor location #2533.

“Partnering with the Los Angeles Police Protective League, we wanted to recognize Officer Simmons’ service to Los Angeles and to the nation with these billboards,” said Layne Lawson, Public Affairs Director for Clear Channel Outdoor. The posting of the billboards was donated by Clear Channel Outdoor.

Officer Simmons was shot and killed as he and other members of the Los Angeles SWAT Team made entry into a home on February 7, 2008. The team had been deployed to the home after a suspect inside called 911 and claimed to have murdered three family members. As the team entered, the suspect opened fire, striking Officer Simmons and a second officer. The suspect was later shot and killed by another member of the SWAT team as the standoff continued.

Officer Simmons had served with the Los Angeles Police Department for 27 years. He is survived by his wife Lisa, two children, parents, and two sisters.