(May 31, 2025)
This weekend the Los Angeles Police Revolver and Athletic Club hosted the 30th Annual Memorial Relay Race. Held at the Elysian Park Police Academy, the race featured over 1,100 runners comprised of Police Officers, family members of fallen officers, children and civilians. The purpose of the race is to commemorate the fallen officers that have served the Los Angeles Police Department.
The event consisted of three races: the One Mile Fun Run, the 5K Individual Run and the 25K Platoon Formation Run. Members of the LAPD command staff including Police Chief Bratton, First Assistant Chief McDonnell and others, all took part. A special group of runners consisting of the late Officer Randall Simmons’ family members ran in his name while his partner, Officer James Veenstra sounded the gun to officially begin the race.
After runners completed the race they assembled on the athletic field for a brief memorial ceremony. There they were greeted by the LAPD Color Guard and Concert Band performing a stirring rendition of the Start Spangled Banner. Chief Bratton spoke on the importance of never forgetting those Officers who made the ultimate sacrifice and offered his support for the families of the fallen. At the completion of the ceremony, the LAPD Air Support Division performed a four helicopter fly over which added to the pomp and circumstance of the morning.
With other activities such as face painting, rock wall climbing, bouncers and music, there was something for the entire family to enjoy. This event is the culmination of an entire month of events to memorialize our fallen heroes.
This was a beautiful event. This was only my second time running it and last year's location at Dockweiler was nice too. I am a civilian so I don't know how sworn feel about the location but I thought having it at the academy was a great idea. I thought there was something special about having the event there.
The memorial service was very touching and having the Simmons family there to me was special in that they were able to see how special he was to so many people.
It was really nice to see SWAT Officer Veenstra and Russell Simmons son start the race. The LAPRAAC staff did a great job with the race. Well organized. The Explorers also did a great job as usual directing traffic and people. Kudos also to the EMT's including Bobby Sherman for being at the finish line to make sure everyone was doing okay.
I'm fortunate that last year I had a member of the Calvary tell me about this race at another race as this has quickly become my favorite race as this is the only race I know of where one department comes together in masses and seeing the platoons run together to honor the memory of fallen officers is a pretty sight. I only wish more civilians would participate to show support for the LAPD but I'm not sure if many people know that there is a 5k open to the public.
Wonderful race and event. I would encourage more people to come out and participate next year.
Posted by: Jennie | June 03, 2025 at 10:20 PM
I meant to right Randal Simmons not Russell in my post. Sorry for the mistake.
Posted by: Jennie | June 04, 2025 at 08:45 AM
Our members were proud to participate, Arcadia Police Officers' Association.
Posted by: APOA Voice | June 06, 2025 at 07:10 AM