Officer Randal Simmons

From 11AM this morning LA’s KCAL 9 has fully devoted its coverage to the funeral and burial of LAPD SWAT team member Randal Simmons.

Simmons, 51, died Feb. 7 in a gun battle with a man who killed three relatives inside a Winnetka home. He was the first Los Angeles Police Department SWAT officer killed in the line of duty.

Officer Simmons’ funeral was held at Crenshaw Christian Faith Dome, not far from my home, so I know from witnessing that his send-off was impressive. I got a glimpse of Antonio Villaraigosa in the crowd and Arnold Schwarzenegger is said to have been there. And that is as it should be.

It’s a far cry from when Cobb and I were lamenting the lack of attention paid to the murder of LA Airport police officer Tommy Scott and while I’d rather that no one have to die in such a manner, I’m glad to see that lessons have been learned. For the few bad seeds in police forces around the country, the many good ones should be honored, especially when they give their everything.

Godspeed, Officer Simmons. Well done.

Comments

[Caltechgirl]

I drove down the freeway with a lot of the visiting officers on their way to the service this morning. It was impressive, to say the least....

Godspeed to one of the good guys.

[tyree]

I have two sons who are police officers. It has been years since the oldest one got through the academy and joined the force and part of me still can wrap my head around the idea. There is nothing like having your little boy go to the store, "to get some stuff for work" and come back with ammunition, to make you realize just how fast he grew up. God bless you Officer Simmons, you can't be replaced, but someone will be there to answer the call.