Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You’ll never be forgotten.....Miss you.

Dotsy Skarda
Friend

January 6, 2021

Rest in peace Sgt. Simmons.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 20, 2020

After graduating the Jackson Police Mississippi Academy, Sergeant Simmons was my Patrol Division Supervisor. He was very professional and always concerned about the safety of the officers under his
supervision. I later worked most of my career in other areas but always remained close to Ricky Joe. Near the end of my career, I was re-assigned to the Patrol Division where I worked with Ricky Joe again. This time we were both supervisors at Precinct Number Four.

This was a time when the Jackson Police Department was extremely short handed. We both worked many hours overtime due to the shortage of personnel. Ricky Joe encouraged me to take a night off duty to be with my family with the understanding he would be off duty the following night. As Ricky Joe handled most of the administrative duties required I generally took care of supervising the area downtown in the precinct while he oversaw the Northern area.

As I was off duty, Ricky Joe responded to a call that I would normally have taken. Unfortunately this was his last call to respond to. That night I lost my Mentor and my friend to a senseless incident caused by a criminal who should have been incarcerated long before. Ricky Joe responded to a domestic call from an elderly lady who was being assaulted by this criminal. There were no Patrol Units available for backup due to manpower shortages within the department as well as other incidents requiring the involvement of a number of officers.

When I received the phone call advising me of the incident I immediately rushed to the Hospital but was to late, my friend was gone. I have often regretted not being on duty that night. I feel had been there, things could have turned out different.

Ricky Joe was looking forward to retirement, unfortunately that was not to be. I miss my friend, and think of him often. I will not ever forget him. As law enforcement officers one will often face dangerous situations, Thanks to Ricky Joe, his advice and supervision taught me so much on how to face those situations.

Seargant Bob Campbell
Jackson Police Department; Retired

January 7, 2020

My connection to Sergeant Rickey Joe Simmons is indirect, I was in the army when he was killed and didn't join the Jackson Police Department until two or three years after his death.

That being said, my Shift Sergeant was a patrol officer under Sgt. Simmons and was on duty when Sgt. Simmons was killed.

Just the mention of Rickey Joe Simmons devastated my Sgt. Several times he would have to retreat to his office to regain his composure.

Although I never worked for Rickey Joe Simmons, I did work for the man Rickey Joe trained to step up after he was killed. My Sgt. had a PROFOUND effect on me during my time on his shift, not just as a police officer, but a man and a human being. If you were to ask My Sgt. where he obtained the knowledge and the leadership skills to command a shift he would readily tell you Rickey Joe Simmons.

"What we do now, echoes in eternity"
Marcus Aurelius Roman Emperor and Philosopher

Sgt. Simmons although I never met you, what you did in life echoes through me everyday.

Rest In Peace Brother.

anonymous
Jackson, Mississippi Police Department

October 16, 2019

To the family, friends and colleagues of Hero Sergeant Rickey Joe Simmons: l proudly mailed my NO PAROLE letter, on his behalf today. I am so sorry for your loss. I am also sorry that you have to keep reliving that pain with each new parole hearing.

To Sergeant Simmons: Thank You for service and sacrifice. You are not forgotten!
God Bless You All!

Allie Wroten
Proudly Supporting All L.E.O.’s
Wife of a Corrections Deputy

February 4, 2019

25 years and you have not been forgotten. R I P Officer Simmons. Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice.

citizen
Tampa FL

February 4, 2017

Rest in peace brother. As we observe those have given the ultimate sacrifice here at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial we are thinking of you and your family. God bless you all. We will cover you from here.

Motor Unit
JPD

May 14, 2016

Sergeant Simmons, your memory will live on in the hearts of all in Mississippi. Thank you sir for your service and sacrifice.

Administration
Mississippi Going Blue

February 5, 2016

Officer Simmons your sacrifice will never be forgotten! Thank you for your dedicated service to the City of Jackson and the citizens you were sworn to protect! Continue to rest in peace my fellow LE brother!
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." John 15:13

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

Corporal Tony Dunn
Mississippi Highway Patrol, Troop D

February 4, 2016

I have great memories of the year we worked together. May God continually bless your family.

Chaplain (MAJ) David Brady
404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade

May 22, 2015

Update: The parole board did deny parole for the fourth time for David Smith who murdered my daddy in the line of duty while serving on the City of Jackson's Police Department. We are pleased to hear that he will not be released but are disappointed that although when we met with them and pleaded for mercy on our family by considering extending his next parole eligibility to a minimum of 5-10 years, they did not choose to do this. Therefore, he will be eligible for parole again in three years. Thank you all for your support. My family and I are humbled by your prayers, kind words of support, and letters to the parole board. There are simply no words to describe our gratitude!
Suzanne Simmons Walters

Suzanne Simmons Walters
Eldest Daughter

June 25, 2013

Our hearts are always broken when we hear of such a terrible crime against those who put their lives on the line everyday to keep us safe. Thank you for your sacrifice Sgt. Simmons. We know we have lost yet another brave and selfless hero...We pray the Lord Jesus bring comfort in this difficult time and will keep Sgt. Simmons killer locked away so he cannot hurt anyone else. May God Bless

Family of
Sgt. Howard Stevenson E.O.W. 1/9/05

May 14, 2013

THANKS. lets not let this murderer of our brother ever get out.

CAPTAIN WILLIAM GILMORE
YAZOO COUNTY SHERIFF DEPT. MS.

May 14, 2013

God bless the family, friends, and co-workers of Sgt Simmons. I am sure this is a difficult time for them with the possibility of his murderer being paroled. Thank you to all who knew Sgt Simmons in his long career and who were his family members because you have lost a friend and relative, but America lost a hero that day. Thank you Sgt Simmons for your many years of dedicated service to the Magnolia State and to Jackson and thank you for watching over us who still serve. And thank you Jesus, for the example you set and that Sgt Simmons set for us.

Deputy Sheriff Donnie Meaders
Seminole County (OK) Sheriff's Dept

May 13, 2013

Rickey Joe,
There are not many days that go by without thinking about you. I remember both of us working a lot of overtime then, and we had coffee, during a break on the night before the incident. I remember how you said, "After I work just a couple of more overtime slots, I am going to spend some, much needed, time, with my new, and beautiful wife". You never got a chance to do that. Rickey, please know that your wife is doing well, and just as beautiful as ever, and you would not believe what a fine young woman your lovely daughter has become.
It was an honor to know you and serve with you, May you be enjoying rest and peace with our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Sgt. Randy Lawrence
Jackson Police Department

November 23, 2012

Sgt. Simmons,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Jackson. You Sir are what a True Law Enforcement Supervisor is supposed to be all about-you probably didn't even have to respond to that call yet you did-that says volumes of the type of man and leader that you are. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

February 4, 2012

Sgt. Simmons was my shift Sgt for about 6 months while I worked the evening shift in Pct. 4. He was a very good supervisor, hard but fair. He was a true street cop and would stand up for his men. I respected him a great deal. They do not make cops like him anymore.

May God Bless him and his family.

Steve Howell
JPD 1985-1995, DPS 1995-Present

July 11, 2011

Some one Killed a Policemen February 4, 1992 and Part Of America Died He answered the call he gave it his all and Part Of America Died
Sergeant Rickey Joe Simmions thank you for giving your all and pay the ultimate price to protect us REST IN PEACE my friend

Bill W. DePriest
Friend

November 25, 2010

I was enrolled as a cadet in the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer's Training Academy at Pearl when Sergeant Simmons was killed. Of course, it was big news to us rookies. Most of the class marched in formation at his funeral as a show of respect. The Academy brought in a Physician from State Hospital to talk to us about mental patients and how to handle them. The talk was worthless but I don't blame the Doctor. He was given no advanced notice to prepare and he didn't understand our perspective and what it is we wanted to know. That stuck with me.

After an agency change a few years ago, I find myself as an Administrator at East Mississippi State Hospital in Meridian, Mississippi. We are a psychiatric hospital. Because of that experience, this Wednesday, February 24th, we are holding our first course for Law Enforcement and dealing with mental illness. It is conducted by Mental Health professionals but it is designed by a couple of long time cops. The initial response is so overwhelming it will soon be open to emergency medical personnel and firemen as well.

I am dedicating this class to the memory of Sergeant Simmons.

Kelly Mitchell
East Mississippi State Hospital

February 22, 2010

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and close friends. Thank you for your long and dedicated career to others. You will never be forgotten as you are a true hero and heroes never die.

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

February 4, 2010

Always on my mind, forever in my heart. A void that can never be filled. My heart still aches. You would be so proud of all the respect and honors bestowed upon you. Sadly, you are not here to feel the lovingkindness and generosity of so many people, stangers and friends. The impact of losing you is immeasurable. You were truly a man's man. Simply the best.

Yonka Simmons, widow

July 21, 2009

I am remembering you with the deepest respect for the many years of distinquished service you gave to the citizens of Mississippi. On this the seventeenth anniversary of your tragic death, I am embracing your family in my heart and in prayer.

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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 4, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK KYOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

February 1, 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

November 29, 2007

Rickey Joe, I always respected and admired you for your fairness and professionalism, even when I first met you as a teenager causing trouble. You must have seen something in me that I didn't, but years later when I wore the same uniform you treated me as a brother. We will never forget you, as we will always remember the others. Take care until we meet again.

Officer Rick Stubblefield
Hinds Community College PD

July 17, 2005