Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

October 2, 2020

I was priveledged to grow up going to church with officer Zimmerman. He was our R.A. leader at church along with my father who also was a former police officer in Longview, Tx.

Officer Zimmerman's son was my age at the time and my friend inn the Royal Ambassadors (around 11 years of age...) What this report states I can verify as accurate. Except the man came out of his house and caught the officers off guard shooting Randy in the throat and his partner in the hand... I know one thing, Officer Zimmerman's last words on the way to the hospital were "I love my family, I love my God"... I have thought about this man and his son and daughter over the years many times. How he gave the ultimate. I loved him and respected him. He was very much a good and godly man, a good teacher... The news of his passing crushed me as a child. I would soon become a home missionary through the same church he had served at in a small mission church in upstate N.Y.

I'm 37 now, lived a long life of struggle and priveledge I didn't deserve, a former officer whose sadly fallen down myself. I am thankful I got to know Officer Zimmerman and his children. I hope and pray they are well today. That his widow is well. God bless them and thank you sir for your service and keeping the man you attempted to apprehend's family safe, however tragic it was, you saved their lives. I hope to see you again in a better place sir. All my love to those involved. May we all be counted worthy to see each other again someday in the arms of our Father, The Holy Spirit and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...

Aaron Sanders.

Discharged Aaron Sanders
Gregg County

December 12, 2018

I was 12 years old when Officer Zimmerman was shot. The word spread quickly through Jacksonville and I remember feeling so helpless and couldn't fully understand the gravity of the situation. I later served as a police officer in Jacksonville and even worked the same beat where Officer was killed. Every pass that I made by that residence on Harrison St. I couldn't help but to pray for his wife and kids. Randy, District 1 is covered. Rest In Peace brother.

Detective Tim McDonald
Smith County Sheriff's Office

September 30, 2016

Heroes live forever, Officer Zimmerman, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of Jacksonville and the great State of Texas.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

October 2, 2013

After twenty years you are still loved and thought of every day. I often wonder what would have been. I love and miss you.

Peggy
Sister

October 2, 2012

Rest in peace, Officer Zimmerman. Your service and sacrifice to to the citizens of Jacksonville and the great State of Texas are not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

October 2, 2012

Randy,

I think about you a few times a year and I guess memorial week always brings it up. Thanks for your service, your spirit, your sacrifice... I will always remember your smile and the very human nature of who you were... a family man and an awesome officer. I always felt like you were kinda watching over all us kids as we took your place behind the badge. May God continue to bless and keep your family. Rest Easy Brother.

Chief Michael Gromatzky
Collin College Police Dept. (formerly of Whitehouse PD)

May 16, 2012

Randy was my best friend and he taught me a lot. I had only been a Peace Officer for a little over a year in The city of Rusk which is where Randy and his family lived. I would ride with Randy on my days off and he would ride with me. Randy's death was a shock for this rookie officer. Randy was a good christian man and was a great peace officer. I will always remember what he taught and will always strive to live up to his example.

Roy Cavazoz, Sgt.
Rusk County Sheriff Department

May 14, 2012

Randy, his wife Peggy, and his kids, JD and Nicole, went to church where I grew up going to church. He was very sweet and I would end up calling him Uncle Randy (though there was no relation) at times. I respected him and his family because of the job he had to do for the public. He always had a smile and hug when ever I saw him at church. I miss seeing him at church, but know he is with his Lord and Savior.

Christen Booth
Church family

December 26, 2011

It has been over 20 years since Randy & I worked together at MCSO but I think of him often. What a great friend and officer.

David K. Burns
MCSO Deputy in the 80's

November 22, 2011

Thank you all for your continuing words of tribute and support. Some people have told me that it's been long enough that I should just let it go. But, that would mean that Randy's memory had died inside me. He was an awesome father, husband, son, officer, and friend who enjoyed working with the children in our church. His passion, however, was being an officer and he could not have been a better one.
Time may has changed many things but it has not changed our family's love for him or the emptiness we feel when we think of him. You words of support help us know that we're not the only ones who remember and that means more than I could ever explain.

Peggy Zimmerman
Wife

October 8, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 17th 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

Anonymous

October 2, 2009

You may be gone but the memories you left behind will always be there.RIP.

Anonymous

February 17, 2009

Rest in Peace my brother. Too you family know we feel your pain and loss even to this day. You are not forgoten

Deputy Corbin
Madison County Sheriff's Office, Rexburg, ID

September 1, 2008

Thank you for your service brother! I've sent prayers for your daughter who misses you. May God bless her life.

R.Colburn
USBP

August 29, 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 14, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

This writer is pleased that justice was served as your killer also lost his life.

vandenberghe
nh

October 14, 2007

OFFICER ZIMMERMAN, YOU REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. I SALUTE YOU! YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. YOU ARE A HERO. WATCH OVER YOUR FAMILY, AS WELL AS OUR OFFICERS STILL ON THE BEAT, AND KEEP THEM SAFE. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY.

JOB WELL DONE OFFICER ZIMMERMAN.

JIM SWEENEY CIVILIAN NEW JERSEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

September 5, 2007

My Brother,

I miss you and speak of you often. I told your story to a group of police recruits lastnight. I want them to be the father, husband, officer and friend you were. Rest in the arms of God and know that we will all be back together again. while the memories of that day are still vivid, the memories of who you are are quite brighter.

Deputy Chief John Glover
Coppell FD (formerly Jacksonville FD)

December 15, 2006

You have not been forgotten and my thoughts are with your loved ones on this 14th anniversary of your end of watch. You are a true hero and I'm sure your children and grand children are aware of that. Keep watch over your loved ones and wrap your wings around them and protect them as they journey through life. Come to them in their dreams and let them know you are okay and standing by their side. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

October 2, 2006

OFFICER RANDY ZIMMERMAN, JUST WANTED TO SAY THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION. YOU WILL BE MISSED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.

OFFICER LOGAN HARRIS
KILGORE PD- FORMER JACKSONVILLE OFFICER

June 12, 2006

Daddy,
Everyday that you have been gone seems like an eternity. We all miss you so much and wish you could be here to see your three beautiful grand kids. I cant wait to see you again someday. I love you always and forever!
Your princess,
Nichole

Nichole (Daughter)

November 19, 2005

Randy, its been almost 13 years since that horrible night, and it still haunts me, and I think of you often brother! I will see you again one day!

Shane

Shane Cannon / Police Officer
Mesquite Police Department (former Cherokee County Reserve Deputy)

June 30, 2005

Randy,

I miss ya brother you were one of the first Brothers in the Badge I had met from South of us... Me and Jud think of ya every time we see each other. You will never be forgotten and your sacrifice will be forever respected. God Bless and keep your family.

Sgt. M.Gromatzky
Collin County College Police (formerly of Whitehouse PD)

September 24, 2004

Randy,
It has been almost twelve years since you left us. People always say that it will get easier with time, but it only gets different.
We love you and miss you but know that you are in a better place and we will see you again one day.
love ya forever,
peggy

Peggy Zimmerman, wife

May 10, 2004