Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

As I sit here in an empty nest, as the 2 year old son I have raised since 31 Oct 2004 is now a 20 year old man in his second year of college. I found myself going through old boxes and came across a card your sister sent me during my darkest time. I do remember the card from 18 years ago, but needed to refresh my memory of what a brave man you were and the family that loves you. You chose to put your life on the line to save another. You chose to go forward. You chose to have no fear. We need more like you today.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Isaiah 6:8

Terry Donovan

November 3, 2022

Another New Year. Hard to believe it's been 32 years, but that's where we are. Still miss you, but I think your sisters have all made you proud. Love you Jerry.

Lieutenant Valerie Arnold, retired
Baton Rouge Police Department
Sister of Cpl. Gerald Kevin "Jerry" Simmons,
East Baton Rouge S.O. EOW/11-21-1988

January 2, 2021

Rest in peace Corporal Simmons.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 17, 2020

Cpl. Simmons,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of of East Baton Rouge Parish. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 21, 2018

Thinking about you today, Jerry. Feeling thankful to have so many great memories shared with you as childhood neighbors. I think of you almost weekly as I go visit my mom and look at the house you grew up in. You may be gone but not forgotten. I know you are continuing to share nothing but happy thoughts and smiles in heaven along with your mother. Love you always my friend. Until we meet again.

Anita Hand
Childhood Neighbors

November 21, 2018

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

March 21, 2017

I remember that day as if it were yesterday, shutting down traffic for the ambulance en route to OLOL Hospital.

It was the first time that I had to look down into a coffin at someone who was wearing the same uniform as I was...it was devastating.

Rest In Peace Jerry.

(Former) Deputy Marc Melane
(Formerly with) East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office

March 4, 2016

Twenty Seven years ago this week, my best friend went on his last shift. I still miss him and think of him every day. A great guy, a great friend, and a great cop. Miss you buddy! I can still remember that last day like it was today. I will never forget you.

Bill Ray

November 24, 2015

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

November 21, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 23rd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

November 21, 2011

Dearest Jerry,

It's another Christmas without your beautiful smile and sense of humor. 22 years is a long time, but it will never be long enough for your family to stop aching from missing you at our family favorite holiday, Christmas.

This year we were all able to be together again and it was so sweet. We treasure our time of festivities, eating, laughing and singing Christmas carols around the piano. The only thing missing is you...

You'd think by now that we wouldn't cry, but we still do and that's ok. It's not something we do everyday. It's just that we love you and hate that you cannot be with us physically. Still, we believe you are with us in spirit and we look forward to the day that Christ calls us all home to be with Him. We will see you then and what a joyful time that will be!

Lt. Valerie Arnold, retired
Baton Rouge PD, sister

December 25, 2010

It's hard to believe that I lost my best friend over 20 years ago. I still think of him every day. I often tell stories about him while teaching other responders. They always make me laugh... We were so young and invincible.

Jerry was a great man and made a huge impact on everyone who knew him.

Miss you, brother.

Bill Ray

April 21, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 21rst anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 21, 2009

After retiring from BRPD in 2004 after 25 years of service, I left law enforcement behind.
Last week, I joined a small Texas law enforcement agency...so I stopped by here today.

It's been a long time since I've been to this site. Upon reading all of the beautiful comments, I am deeply touched by the kindness of friends, co-workers, and people we don't even know.

Thank you for remembering Jerry in your roll-calls, on the 20th anniversary of our loss, and just in your every day life. Thanks to you other survivors who have remembered us even in your own grief.

Our parents will be so touched when I share your words with them.(They don't have computer access.)

Thank you for not forgetting Jerry.

God Bless Each and Everyone of You! May He keep you safe in all your endeavors.

Lt. Valerie S. Arnold, retired
BRPD, Jerry's sister

June 16, 2009

Jerry wasn't a big man, but had a big heart. I remember when he and I would go to the Photon (like lazertag) and teamed up together. He was always happy, but had the heart of a scrapper. It's hard to believe that he has been gone over 20 yrs. Jerry was a very good friend and I miss him dearly. He made me be a better cop. God Bless you, Jer.

Scott Morales Former ERBSO deputy and friend

Scott Morales patrolman
Fort Wayne, Indiana Police Dept

February 22, 2009

On the 20th anniversary of Corporal Simmons' death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Corporal Simmons is not forgotten.

Sergeant Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

November 21, 2008

Two decades have passed but you have not been forgotten as true heroes never die. Continue to watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

November 20, 2008

You ran in, not out.
You gave your life, your future, your hopes and dreams for another.
Not because it was your job, or because you would gain from your actions.
You did it because it was the right thing to do.
I did not know you, but your actions tell me the kind of person you were and the good soul you had that is now in God's hands.

To your family, I know Time does not fly

Terry Donovan, spouse of Amy Lynn Donovan E.O.W. 31 Oct 04

Anonymous

November 18, 2008

I briefly remember meeting you at the high school we attended. You would have been at least four years older than me. I also remember hearing the news of you being killed. I worked with Angela as she was a dispatcher and Valerie as she was a patrol ofc./supervisor. I talked to Bubba Knight very recently about the night your watch ended..He remebers every detail like it were yesterday. What I remember most about you was your character..How you obviously affected alot of people in such a short time on earth. I remeber you as a good person, obviously having been taken much too young. I am a police officer and have been one for quite some time now. Thank you for your courage. God bless you and your family.

Bill Clarida

August 21, 2008

Rest in peace hero

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 30, 2007

11-21-07
Rest in peace sir, job well done.

Deputy
Chesterfield Sheriff's Office Va.

November 21, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 31, 2007

Brother,

You are not forgotten, for all that you were to our Community, Organization, and state, I hope that those of us who still serve keep your memory strong in our hearts. It is Brave Men like you that help us to upkeep the professionalism and bravery that is asked of us. Please know that you shall never be forgotten!

Rest in peace brother, thank you for your service to our community!

Reserve Deputy
EBRSO

July 13, 2007

The credit belongs to the one who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if they fail, at least fails while daring greatly. So that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.

Terry Donovan
spouse of Amy Lynn Donovan Austin P.D. E.O.W. 31 Oct 2004
2005-05-10

February 17, 2007

Such remarkable courage will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, hero.

a citizen

November 21, 2004