Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

If you have no capacity for violence then you are a healthy productive citizen, a sheep. If you have a capacity for violence and no empathy for your fellow citizens, then you have defined an aggressive sociopath, a wolf. But what if you have a capacity for violence, and a deep love for your fellow citizens? What do you have then? A sheepdog, a warrior, someone who is walking the hero's path. Someone who can walk into the heart of darkness, into the universal human phobia, and walk out unscathed.
-By LTC (RET) Dave Grossman

Officer Simmons lived and died as a warrior. God bless him and his family.

Ofc. Eric Klumpp
Granite City Police Department
I.L.E.A.S. Region 8 S.R.T.

Officer Eric Klumpp
Granite City Police Department

February 8, 2008

As a 10yr SWAT member of Corpus Christi Police Department my family and I pray for Officer Simmons and his family. I know the detication and love a SWAT officer has for what we do and I praise officer Simmons for his lengthy years of detication to his team. As many people may never understand our job as a SWAT officer this tragedy hits close to my heart.

Sgt Chapa CCPD

Sgt. Robert Chapa
Corpus Christi Police Dep. TX

February 8, 2008

Please know that you are never alone. We all share your grief and are here to help carry the load. Never hesitate to ask for help.

Captian Michael McKinney
Corpus Christi PD

February 8, 2008

Sincere condolences to the family, friends, and department of Police Officer Randal Simmons. May he rest in eternal peace, and may God bless and keep you all.

Leo J. Kennerson #2814
RETIRED TROOPER, NYSP

February 8, 2008

Randy, I'm sorry we never met. Odd ly enough you and I were at Washington State University at the same time; and we both went into law enforcement. I was stationed in LA for the first four years of my career. Perhaps our paths crossed more than once; I know that we would have gotten along well. My heart goes out to your family and fellow LAPD officers. Rest in peace.

Ed Jex
NCIS

Special Agent Edward Jex
Naval Criminal Investigative Service

February 8, 2008

Farewell for now Brother & rest in Peace. You gave your 100% and we are grateful. We thank you for your faithfuness, resolve and dedication to duty. May Our Lord Bless and comfort your loved ones.

Bob Johnson Blue Knights VA-VI
U'S' Marshal's (Ret'd)

February 8, 2008

"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

February 8, 2008

I did not personally know Officer Randy Simmons, but I know several people who did. He apparently lived his life in such a manner that he won the instant respect and admiration of those he encountered.

The Los Angeles Airport Police have worked closely with the LAPD for decades. LAXPD regretably shares with the LAPD SWAT Team, the dreaded first-time experience of losing one of our own (Officer Tommy Scott).

Ironically, Tommy and Randy seemed very simular in character and spirit.

Our prayers are with the family, friends and coworkers of Officer Randy Simmons. May he Rest in Peace.

Officer Aletha Metcalf-Evans
Los Angeles Airport Police

February 8, 2008

No matter what agency or location a fellow officer is associtated with it always hits hard. My heart and prayers go to him and his family. May his service be as a reminder of what we stand for and the cause that we all serve. Officer Randal Simmons thank you for your service.

DUSM Brian Lyles
USMS

February 8, 2008

May God recieve you & afford your family the protection you gave the public for so many years.

SDUSM J.R.Skaggs
U.S. Marshal's Service

February 8, 2008

may good be with the hero and his family. the City of Los Angeles has lost a mentor and hero. Be strong!

Policeman
CPD

February 8, 2008

Officer Simmons, rest in peace brother. You'll never be forgotten.

Investigator John H. Briant, BCI Retd
New York State Troopers

February 8, 2008

"My Brother"

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was idealistic and believed he could make a difference.
He was immensely proud of the uniform and the badge and what they represent.
He felt privileged to be of service to his department, his community and to his country.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was friendly, courteous, and polite, yet firm.
He laughed and joked, but was serious when necessary.
He was competent, trained, and professional.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He had a strong sense of right and wrong and became
frustrated when true justice became sidetracked.
He felt the sharp criticism that goes with the job, but he
never wavered.
He stood by and for his fellow officers.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He longed for his family during the long hours.
He worried about them during his shifts and the lonely
weekends, holidays and midnights when they were apart.
He felt guilty about the lost time, but knew his calling
and prayed they would understand.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was a good son, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
He was dedicated to the profession and cared about the
people he served.
He wanted to do the best job that he could and strived to
be the best he could be.
He was a good citizen and a good neighbor.

He was a cop.

Yes, I did know him.
He was a cop, he was my Brother.

Rest easy Brother Simmons, we have the watch...



”I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”
---Isaiah 6:8

You answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice. Rest easy in God's kingdom and watch over us as we continue the battle here on earth!!!

Officer
Metropolitan Police Department Washington DC

February 8, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rest in Peace!

Wanda Ryan, Reserve Deputy
Reeves County SO, Texas

February 8, 2008

Our prayers and thoughts go out to the family, friends and brothers/sisters in blue of Officer Simmons.

You are not alone during this, not only does LA grieve, but the Nation grieves the passing of a True Hero.

Randy, keep watch over all as they make it through this rough time. You will not be forgotten...

Craig Figgins
Brother - SGT Dan Figgins St Charles, IL EOW 4/9/05

February 8, 2008

Nemo Me Impune Lacessit. Rest easy, warrior. Your friends and family are in our prayers. Thank you for your service.

Officer John Curnutt
Hays County, Texas SWAT Team

February 8, 2008

To the Simmons family,
You are in our prayers and Randy's sacrifice will not be forgotten. Be strong in your faith and know that Randy is with the Lord. God Bless you!

Sgt. Todd Learst
Dearborn Heights Police Department, Mi

February 8, 2008

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.THANK YOU FOR YOUR LIFE TIME OF SERVICE. RIP.

RETIRED OFFICER BROOKE CHRISTOPHER
FRANKFORT POLICE POLICE DEPARTMENT
FRANKFORT KY.

retired patrolman Brooke W. Christopher
Frankfort Ky. Police Dept.

February 8, 2008

Another brother has fallen making the ultimate sacrifice to keep many safe. You walked where few have tread and given all that you are without hesitation. May peace be with your family at such a grievous loss. May others stop to remember all you did in this life......

police officer
Ankeny police department

February 8, 2008

Another brother has fallen making the ultimate sacrifice to keep many safe. You walked where few have tread and given all that you are without hesitation. May peace be with your family at such a grievous loss. May others stop to remember all you did in this life......

police officer
Ankeny police department

February 8, 2008

G-d Speed my Brother

UC
ODPS-Inv Unit

February 8, 2008

Thank you officer for your service. May your family find peace.

A citizen

February 8, 2008

A HERO may be gone...A HERO will never be forgotten...R.I.P.

Deputy
Lake County Sheriff IL

February 8, 2008

R.I.P. Officer Simmons.-A Soldier

February 8, 2008

God bless you and your family. You all are in my thoughts.

Hubert Somohano

February 8, 2008