Lifetime Achievement Award
Randal D. Simmons
Los Angeles Police Officer III
End of Watch February 7, 2008
On February 7, 2008, a man was holding his family hostage - he had literally lost his mind and had already killed three members of his family. Officer Randy Simmons and his comrades responded to the hostage situation and standoff with an armed suspect. They went to help anyone who might still be alive; they went so that the man wouldn’t kill another human being.
Unfortunately, the man did kill one more. Officer Randal David Simmons was murdered in the line of duty on Thursday, February 7, 2008. Fellow SWAT Officer James Veenstra was also shot and injured but survived.
Randy was appointed to the Department in 1981; he spent his last 20 years in SWAT and was the first member in its 40 year history to ever be killed. He was known for his calm demeanor, extraordinary ability to connect with people, supreme athleticism, strong faith and dedication to serve. He was a giant, both physically and spiritually - perhaps more so spiritually.
Ten thousand people attended his funeral, officers from as far away as Australia attended. Gang members, old classmate, politicians, and strangers - they all went to honor this man. Why? Not only was he excellent at his job, he was an excellent human being, He gave to the community, not just as a police officer, sworn to serve and protect - but as a youth minister. He affected hundreds of lives and helped countless youths get off the fast track to hell and ruination and onto the path of a better life. The day of his death, and for days afterward, there were countless radio broadcasts where people who knew him, especially young people whom he had helped, called in. The calls would have broken your heart. This was a man who quietly went about his life. He put on his uniform and gun every day and headed out to the mean streets of L.A., but he went out there with an open heart and hand. His goal was to help. And he did.
Officer Simmons’ Christian faith was a strong central part of his character. He was the minister at Glory Christian Fellowship International Church (GCFI) for 13 years. Known to his congregation as Minister Randy, he was seen as a humble and totally selfless individual who shared the unconditional love of Christ with all people he met, especially children and young adults. His tireless commitment to the youth has been recognized throughout the state with numerous awards he has received.
As minister, Randy was the head of evangelism for 11 years with a focus on weekly children’s outreach, Glory Kids, to seven housing developments located throughout South Los Angeles, Watts, Carson, Compton, and Long Beach.
For the past nine years, he led and completed many major outreach projects to include the “Greatest Toy Giveaway,” In 2007, the giveaway provided gifts to more than 1,200 children and their parents.
For the past 11 years, Randy spearheaded the GCFI “Hallelujah Harvest Festival,” a carnival featuring rides, games, and ministry to more than 1,500 children and young adults.
Randy served as senior facilitator for the GCFI Men’s Fellowship Program, “Breaking the Huddle,” where members counsel and mentor one another.
Randy’s commitment and dedication to the community was unmatched. He was constantly working in the community to help and encourage those people who were truly disadvantaged. He was unselfish with his time and his money. He used his personal time to try to improve many lives with his presence. This was a man who worked in challenging areas to reach out to as many people as he could. He impacted so many lives.
A gallant knight, unlike no other you will be forever missed and never forgotten. R-41 David (Randy’s radio designation) is End of Watch and is home with God. From Heaven, Randy continues to look down on all of us with his big smile.
The Golden Badge Foundation is proud to recognize Officer Randall Simmons by presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously.
