Los Angeles Police Department, California
End of Watch Thursday, February 7, 2008
Reflections for Police Officer Randal David Simmons
Randy, you will truly be missed by all. May you rest in peace. I strive everyday to be the quality of officer that you were. Thank you for your service.
Dwayne Tullos
SWAT Officer
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (State Police)
SWAT Officer Dwayne Tullos
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics
February 17, 2008
Randy you will be missed. GOD chose you, it was all in his plan. Through you GOD was glorfied. The way you lived your life will forever live on in the hearts of countless people. The kids you helped, the community, and the LAPD are better because of you. I know in my heart that when you met the Lord he said, "Well done my good and faithful servant, well done." GOD Bless your family. See you when I get there.
SGT.
LAPD
February 17, 2008
First, I would like to express my sympathy to the family, friends, and loved ones of this fine officer. Second, I would like to take a moment to say that all though what happened was tragic, I cannot be sad. From what I've heard, this man did great things in life, and that is how he should be remembered. My heart goes out to all the Law Enforcement Officers who live and die to protect us. As a daughter of an officer myself, I cannot imagine the pain, and unthinkable hurt that these deaths cause. My you rest in peace Officer Simmons and continue to look out for your family, and fellow brothers.
The daughter of an officer
Mrs.Winchester
February 17, 2008
To the Simmons Family: May Randy watch over you. He may not be here on earth, but he will always be in your hearts and memories. I cried when I watch your son at Randy's funeral. You did raise a wonderful son and he will grow into a wonderful person like his father. He will always be remembered as a Great Cop and a Very special person.
May God watch over him. He has a very special place with God and Heaven.
Wife of a Deputy
RSO
February 17, 2008
RIP BROTHER
M.A. Olson
Atlanta Police Department, GA.
February 17, 2008
HE IS NOT DEAD
I cannot say, and I will not say
That he is dead. He is just away.
With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand,
He has wandered into an unknown land.
And left us dreaming how very fair
It needs must be since he lingers there.
And you-O you, who the wildest yearn
For the old-time step and the glad return-
Think of him faring on, as dear
In the love of there as the love of here;
Think of him still as the same, I say;
He is not dead-he is just away!
James Whitcomb Riley
M. W. Crough Network Admin.
Sheriff's Safe Street Bureau
February 17, 2008
God bless & R.I.P
Ofcr Moore 3176
FWPD
February 17, 2008
It was as though God orchestrated the day for Officer Simmons farewell. The weather was beautiful. The sky was blue, the wind was gone, the temperature was mild. And at the end of the graveside services there was the beginning of a beautiful sunset, like the dropping of a soft curtain.
The stage was set and there was nothing to distract from the messages that came across almost every tv station in the city of Los Angeles. We had lost something so very precious. In a city where the police and the community often do not see eye to eye, all was put aside, we all became one, listening and watching. Learning of this man's life and how he reached out and touched so many people. Over 10,000 people from all over coming to pay tribute to one well deserved person. People lining the streets at the church along the route to the cemetary to pay tribute. This man talked the talk and walked the walk. Hearing of his contributions in the days preceding the funeral, my thoughts were that he was a wonderful man. My thoughts after the funeral were that he was a magnificent man. Officer Simmons was loved and respected, he leaves an awe inspiring legacy. As one person after another eulogized Officer Simmons it was as if he were sending messages through the speakers, challenging us as individuals to take up the baton and continue this journey. If we all did just a fraction of what he did it could make such an impact on so many lives.
Family, what a blessing that you had the love, comfort and protection of such a man in your lives. May you have peace and comfort in knowing that he affected so many lives in
such a positive manner and that he is so well thought of. What better legacy could a person ever hope to leave when their life on this earth is over?
Thank you.
Anita
Resident of the City of Angels
February 17, 2008
Rest in peace Brother. You will never be forgotten.
Officer
Brooklyn North, NYPD
February 17, 2008
I offer my condolences to the family at this time. I have
high respect for officer Simmons. He is in a better place.
I work with children at a youth center and I share my life
and time with them. I am inspired by the dedication of
officer Simmons' devotion to children as well as his walk
with God. We each have a part to play in the scheme of
things. We are all just passing through. Stay strong!
flo hawkins
friend
February 17, 2008
"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.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders
and said, "No Lord. I guess I ain't.
Because those who carry badges,
can't always be a saint."
"I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough...
and sometimes I've been violent
because the streets are awful tough."
"But I never took a penny,
that wasn't mine to keep...
though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got just too steep."
"And I never passed a cry for help,
though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I wept unmanly tears."
"I know I don't deserve a place
among the people here.
They never wanted me around
except to calm their fear."
"If you've a place for me here, Lord,
it needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But, if you don't...I'll understand."
There was silence all around the throne,
where saints had often trod,
as the policeman waited quietly
for the judgement of his God.
"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."
REBAR PII
LAPD
February 17, 2008
The likes of Officer Simmons are around us every day. We just seem to notice a person like he was when he is gone more. Why?
It seeems to me that he had a big heart, cared about every person he met, and gave of himself more than many. He gave all. And lost!
The Los Angeles area came out big time for his funeral - Where were they at when it came time to vote for pay raises for him? Where were they when he spent his not enough pay on those less fortunate than him?
Reign in your kids, reign in your brother, reign in your sister, reign in whomever needs to be reigned in. Call the cops on the drug dealer down the street! Kick the gang off your street. Fight the punks who you let takeover your street! Who has taken over our life? Don't be afraid - be in charge.
Wear a badge of freedom like Officer Simmons did. And try and do something about the insane world that surrounds us. One at a time - we will win.
Bill English
Civilian
February 16, 2008
I saw the funeral today on the nightly news. I'm so sorry for the loss of this fine man to the community. What an amazing man and what a consummate loss to have been taken by someone who just had nothing to contribute. The two extremes of humanity were in that building, and our world is a sadder place with the loss of one of them. I'll bet he was in heaven an hour before the devil knew he was gone. God bless him and most especially to those he left behind - not just his family who feels the loss more acutely, but to those he touched everyday with his generous spirit.
Jennifer from Florida
February 16, 2008
I am a crisis intervention negotiator. I can't convey the respect that I have for Officer Simmons....to be a peace officer in the truest sense....under the most adverse circumstances. Goc bless Officer Simmons and God bless his family and loved ones.
Deputy Warden Donna Collins
RIDOC
February 16, 2008
I watched Officer Simmons service from start to finish.... our local station aired 6 hours of the entire service with no interruptions, which I thought was unheard of for a news channel. While the entire situation is so sad that such an amazing person was killed so senselessly... and I can only imagine the pain that his beautiful family and his colleagues must be feeling.... I still couldn't help but feel so uplifted and inspired after watching his service. All I can say is.... WOW, what a human being. And what an amazing family he has... when his 14 year old son got up to speak such loving things about his daddy, it just moved me to tears the way he thanked his mom for marrying such a wonderful man. It was just an amazing... JESUS glorifying service, and I just felt compelled to walk away from the experience a better person having been fortunate enough to get a glimpse into this man's life and how he lived it.
Officer Simmons, you are truly entertaining angels tonight and in the presence of God himself... Thank you for your years of service to the Los Angeles community.... and may you rest in peace, sir.
Shari Shrewsbury-Lead Police Dispatcher
CSU Long Beach Police Dept
February 16, 2008
You are a true hero, you will be missed. God bless you.
Cadet Jonathan C Province
Sierra College Police Academy
February 16, 2008
The similarities between the services memorializing your service and my brother's in 2002 were startling. It is good to know that you will be greeted in heaven by a fellow brother-in-arms. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family, friends, and especially your fellow officers. Keep up the good fight. Always back each other up. More importantly, have your future prepared for as well as Officer Simmons. He knew where he was ultimately going before he ever entered his patrol car. Sole Deo Gloria. JP
John Powell
February 16, 2008
THIS WILL BE A DAY TO REMEMBER, THIS WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY. THIS MAN WAS SO LOVED BY SO MANY PEOPLE. HE WAS A MAN OF GOD, A TRUE BELIEVER, I KNOW HE IS WALKING AROUND IN HEAVEN WITH GOD AND ALL OF THE LOVED ONES THAT HAS WENT ALONG BEFORE ALL OF US. THE LIVES THAT HE TOUCHED WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN THE THOSE PEOPLE,AND THE LOVE THAT HE HAD FOR HIS FAMILY WILL ALWAYS BE AN EVER LASTING FLAME IN THERE HEARTS.
TAMERA
SOMEONE WHO CARED
February 16, 2008
Officer Simmons, thank you for your service. To your family, I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless you and keep you near always, and be especially close to you in the coming days.
Fellow officers and your families, keep fighting the good fight. God be with you.
LEO Wife
Tucson, AZ
February 16, 2008
I did not personally know Ofcr. Simmons, but the Law Enforcement family is a tight Brotherhood that not many people understand - as seen at his funeral sevices. Ofcr. Simmons died in the Line of Duty, believing that others were in danger. And for that, he made the ultimate sacrafice. I have nothing but respect for Ofcr. Simmons and wish the best for his family.
LAPD Officer
February 16, 2008
Yesterday was Officer Simmons' funeral. I didn't plan to watch the service on TV, but I wound up doing so. I'm so glad I decided to. The love and the memories shared about this awesome and amazing man was sweet, intense and completely overwhelming. One close friend/colleague said it best. He was everything a man should be. May the Lord taking him into His tender care and keeping, and may he raise up many more powerful men of God, such as Randy to transform the streets of Los Angeles. My heartfelt prayers are with his beautiful family. May they trust that the Lord will be a husband to the widow and a father to the fatherless. Thank you Lord, for the beautiful life of Officer Randal Simmons.
Donna Dupree-Davis
Los Angeles Community Member
February 16, 2008
To my brothers in blue in Los Angeles. I just heard about your loss, sorry it took so long we also have been grieving. To PO Simmons, his family, and friends you are in our prayers. To Randal, take care of Sgt. Biggs and PO Ballman for us as well. PO Brand Kirkwood Missouri
P.O. Tim Brand 303
Kirkwood Police Missouri
February 16, 2008
You are a true example of what a great law enforcement officer is you may rest in peace now R-41 DAVID.
LOVE
RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT.
DEPUTY
RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
February 16, 2008
Officer Simmons - May you rest in peace. Thank you for your service to your community and to America. You are a hero. Your family and friends and co-workers are in my prayers. We have also lost two of our own on the very day you left this world. You will never be forgotten.
Kathy McEntee
Sister of Sgt. Bill McEntee, EOW 7/5/05
February 16, 2008
I did not know Officer Simmons, but I feel like I did.
The wonderful things that were said about him at the funeral (which I watched via television) and the exemplary way that he appears to have led his life speak volumes. He does appear to have been a "Giant" in every way. I pray God's Blessings upon the Simmons family members and their friends.
Juanita Bethea
Juanita Bethea
February 16, 2008
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