LOS ANGELES – The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks in partnership with Councilmember Dennis Zine renamed West Valley Park as "LAPD Swat Officer Randal D. Simmons Park" in memory of the fallen LAPD SWAT officer on Thursday, January 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
The ceremony included the unveiling of the new park sign as well as remarks by Jon Kirk Mukri, Department of Recreation and Parks General Manager, Councilmember Dennis Zine, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Assistant Chief Michael Moore, Deputy Chief Kirk Alanbese and Captain John Incontro. Mrs. Lisa Simons also spoke at the ceremony. More than 50 officers from the LAPD Metro Division formed a ‘blue line’ and four mounted patrol officers also attended. City Controller Wendy Greuel and Councilman Tom LaBonge (CD4) were also present.
Officer Randal D. Simmons, a 27-year veteran of the LAPD, was shot during a standoff that injured another officer and claimed the lives of five civilians on Thursday, February 7, 2008. Officer Simmons is the first SWAT officer to die in the line of duty.
Officer Simmons committed much of his time to helping and comforting people in urban neighborhoods including Watts, Hacienda Village, Compton and Carson. He was an ordained minister at Glory Christian Fellowship International in Carson, California. He was instrumental in developing programs and Christian events for at-risk youth such as the annual "Greatest Toy Giveaway” which provided toys and gifts to over 1,000 children during the holiday season. He is survived by his wife Lisa, son Matthew and daughter Gabrielle.
"LAPD Officer Randal D. Simmons Park" will serve as a tribute to his personal sacrifice and his dedication to the community. West Valley Park is located at 6731 Wilbur Avenue in the Reseda community. The 8.38 acre park includes children’s play area, walking paths, picnic tables and landscaping.
God bless his family and may he rest in peace
Posted by: DJ | January 29, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Thank you so much for honoring Officer Simmons. The SWAT team is often a last resort and they work so hard with careful surveillance before entering a situation. You just don't here about many losses.
Posted by: Dick - LA PI | January 30, 2025 at 08:04 AM
As sad as this was that this happened to this officer, what does it say about the other officers killed in the line of duty who have nothing named after them?
Posted by: John | January 31, 2025 at 12:19 PM