10,000 People Celebrated the Life of Slain SWAT Officer Simmons

I just finished watching the Final Salute to SWAT Officer Randal Simmons; on Channel 9 TV. The ceremony lasted approximately two hours. Officer Simmons was a good man who worked with young children and teens and brought GOD into their lives. He passed out Toys at Christmas to many children. Simmons was the first SWAT Officer, ever, killed in the line of duty; in the history of the LAPD.

It was a sad and emotional ceremony. Ten thousands people, including many police officers, came from all over to celebrate the life and honor SWAT Officer Randal Simmons. Simmons was shot in the neck and killed on February 8, 2007; by a mentally disturbed man; who called 911 and reported he had just killed three members of his family. Simmons was shot in the neck when he and other officers went in the house in hopes of saving any victims that may still be alive. Simmons died from the gun shot wounds before reaching the hospital.

Today, February 15, 2007 a Celebration of Life was held in a South Los Angeles church to honor the life of Simmons. Simmons was 51 years old. He left behind a wife, a young thirteen years old daughter and a sixteen years old son.

At the ceremony, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said; on that faithful night when he held the hand of Lisa Simmons, Randy's wife; she said; Randy was the greatest man I've ever known. Villaraigosa said Randy committed his life's belief in the power of God's love.

Chief William Bratton said Randy was a giant who brought many children to God. He used his time off and personal time to work with young children and take them places where they may not have gotten the chance to go.

Randal Simmons was a very religious man. Dr. BK, who played college football with Simmons; said that Simmons knew way back then, that he wanted to be a minister. He said Simmons was responsibly for him getting his college degree.

Many of the Glory Kids that Simmons worked with were at the ceremony. They wore white T-Shirts with Randy Simmons picture on it. One of the kids, Patrick Davis said Officer Simmons lived for three things: First Jesus Christ, his family and the children of Los Angeles. He said Officer Simmons lived and died for the children.

James hart, worked eight years with Officer Simmons. He said Randy was a very religious man; a good husband and father. Other things Hart said was; Officer Simmons brought out the best in his children. Randy was an example for all and the respect for Randy Simmons was of the up most. He was all about safety and protecting everyone; and he was also very modest and humble.

Randy's two sister-in laws talked about how Randy loved and adored his family. He and his young son did everything together. They talked about how much fun the family had together just days before he was killed. He said that Randy and his son did everything together.

Wilfred said Officer Simmons was the best of the best. He taught his children to put God first. Then love yourself and love your fellow man. He was there for all who needed him.

Gina Davis, his sister, was very emotional. In her soft voice, she said her brother was a great man and a protector. And he was a committed man. After her father was gone; Randy was there for her and her mother. He thought about others first and himself last. He walked with confident. Now that he's gone, she said she will do the only thing she can do; "Look to GOD".

Randy Simmons' very emotional 16 years old son, Matthew said his father had a big impact on his family. He showed them unconditional love. He said his father was the best father any child could ask for. Christianity was a way of life for his father. After the speech, young Matthew Simmons broke down in tears.

Mary Mary sang at the ceremony.

Simmons wasn't just a good Officer, he was a good man. He cared about the children of Los Angeles. He taught them about God and how to stay out of trouble and how to love and respect their fellow man.

After the celebration of Officer Simmons life, his body was driven to Culver City Holy Cross Cemetery for burial.