By Cynthia Manker

SWAT Hero and Warrior for God 

 

"Oh no, it can't be...no not Randy," I screamed as tears flooded my eyes. My reaction was not unlike many who personally knew Officer Randy Simmons and even those who only knew of him.  Simmons was with the LAPD for more than 25 years, including 20 on the SWAT team when he was killed during a gun battle with a gunman inside a Winnetka home on February 7, 2008. Simmons, 51-years-old, was the first LAPD SWAT officer to be killed in the line of duty. I had the pleasure and honor of knowing Randy through outreach ministries at Glory Christian Fellowship International in Carson.  Dedicated to enhancing the life of others, especially children, he was truly a man of God, a man of his word, a man of utmost compassion and integrity.

Simmons was shot and killed by Edwin Rivera, 20, who murdered three relatives and then called 911, Officer Randy Simmons was shot and killed as he and other members of the Los Angeles SWAT Team made entry into the home at approximately 12:30 a.m. The Special Weapons and Tactics Unit was created in the 1960s to deal with especially dangerous situations, handles about 100 barricaded suspect incidents and 120 high-risk warrants each year. Simmons, one of several officers who charged into the home, was shot in the head. Another officer, James Veenstra, was shot in the face and thankfully, survived. Two other officers suffered minor injuries. Veenstra has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home.

The outpouring of love for Simmons continuous to increase from the many communities where he gave so much, always seeking to make a positive difference.  In honor of the officer, Larry and Ralph Cimmarusti- the owners of a downtown Los Angeles Burger King restaurant hosted a fundraiser this past Wednesday for the Simmons family.  Friends in the Palos Verdes neighborhood where the Simmons reside showed support by hosting a lemonade stand and collecting donations.  Families, friends and children gathered at the Hacienda housing complex and held a candlelight vigil in honor of Simmons.

Randy Simmons was the founder of the ministry tregularly visited low income neighborhoods in Carson, Watts and South-Central with the. It was very rare for him to miss even a weekend at the sites offering hope and spiritual guidance to youth who live in underserved areas often populated with gang activity. With a big smile on his face, Randy Simmons was a hero to youth and even adults, always eagerly sharing encouraging words from the gospel. He was committed to save as many as possible from criminal behaviors. Simmons kept a mom from drug relapse, helped another mom with her battle with cancer turned gang bangers into productive contributing law abiding citizens and the stories go on and on.  This past Saturday balloons were released at the sites that Simmons frequented.

"Randy's legacy with the Glory Kids will also continue," stated Melissa Franklin, administrator of Glory Christian Fellowship. "He was steadfast with his commitment to spread the message of God's love and he impacted numerous communities."

Simmons is survived by his wife Lisa, a 15-year-old son Matthew and 13-year-old daughter Gabbie. Tearfully, Lisa spoke to the congregation at Glory saying, "My husband called the troops, the kids and I together to pray that night. That's the kind of man he was he prayed with his family on his last night." She also recounted about how they always held hands while they slept and how she awakened that night missing his presence. She thanked Pastor Trimble and his wife Judith for their support and all of the Glory family.  She also thanked those in law enforcement, the community at large and so many people who have offered condolences.

According to LAPD Chief William Bratton, a viewing will be held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Glory Christian Fellowship International Church, 225 W. Torrance Blvd. in Carson. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at Crenshaw Christian Faith Dome, 7901 S. Vermont Ave., with burial following at Holy Cross Cemetery, 5835 W. Slauson Ave., Culver City.

Due to overwhelming support for LAPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team Officers Randal Simmons and James Veenstra, trust funds have been established in both their names through the Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union (LAPFC).

To make a donation, please go to: www.lapfcu.org  and click on the red square titled "LAPFCU Community Corner." Donations may also be received by mail to LAPFCU Blue Ribbon Trust Fund/ Officer Randal Simmons, Acct. 2030077-product code S4.12 , 16150 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91410.  For more information call (877) 695-2732.

Tributes to Officer Randy Simmons

I encourage you to spread Randy's love for Jesus throughout this trying time.  When you tell people he was your friend, tell them how much he loved Jesus.  That will give the enemy a big, black eye! Through the tears, let's remember his fire for Jesus and his love for his ministry to kids.  My prayer emphasis is now for his loving wife Lisa, children Matthew and Gabby, mother and other surviving relatives. Also, I am gearing up to help Randy continue winning, discipling and sending by being prepared to help with the Glory Bus Ministry in any way I can.

-Kathleen Mitchell

Wow!  What do you say about someone you didn't know personally, but was blessed by his ministry.  I admired Randy for his passion in bringing children to the saving knowledge of Christ.  As a parent, I'm blessed to have two children who know and believe in God. As an educator I can appreciate what Randy stood for.  There are so many children who do not have role-models in their lives, let alone parents and that hole can be filled by having a relationship with God.  In my opinion Randy was a true warrior in that regard.  It is my prayer that his wife, Lisa and their two children grow stronger everyday through that same love Randy had for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

-Jane Octave and Family

Although we (Rod and Theresa) did not know Randy on a personal level-we are Glory Christian Fellowship Partners and felt like we knew him because of his genuine love for the body of Christ.  Rod respected and admired Randy because of his leadership and encouraging words extended to the men at Glory Christian Fellowships.  The imprint of Randy's love, Christ-like character and passion for our Lord and Savior has been a blessing to our life.  It was an honor to know him.  We would like to extend their heartfelt condolences to the Simmons Family.

-Mr. & Mrs. Rodwell Smith

Your parting has left a void but we will fill it with remembered joy. Your character, your demeanor, your personality and wittiness will never be forgotten. You brightened, enhanced and changed the lives of many, many people. Your courage was immeasurable.  There isn't an adjective that can describe you. I'm not surprised at your heroism, you were one in a million. Rest in peace Randy.  It's just like you to make history.

-Adraine Cook

Randy Simmons was more than just a warrior for the Los Angeles Police Department, he was a warrior for Christ to win lost souls, nurture those found, and send those nurtured to win lost souls.

-Dr. Kalaki Marks

When I think of Randy, I remember the consistent love and care that he gave to all of the young men at GCFI. He made all of the young men feel special.  In some cases he was like a dad and in others he was like a big brother.  The Bible tells us to be careful how we treat strangers because we may be entertaining angels unaware.  Randy was an angel here on earth.  While here, although his days were shortened, he accomplished so much.  He became God's arms, legs, mouth and voice.  He shared God's love unconditional and without judgment.  He will truly be missed but remembered always in our heart. 

 -The Barbee Family; Michael Wayne, Nancy, Cecily and Michael Paul

Randy was a "Warrior" in his home, in his profession as SWAT leader, in the Glory church family and in the community with the Glory Kids family, always challenging us to do more, to do better in helping people and eventually leading them to Christ.  Randy was an awesome man and he was a great example of a man being manly with his sacrifice of time, talent and treasure and having great compassion for the youth and the community.  In my eyes, Randy was a "Man's man"  he was God's Man!  We'll all miss you my Brother, and we will see you again...  My love to Lisa, Matt and Gabby and may God's peace comfort you...

-Mark English 

As members of Glory, we had a chance to experience something that very few people encounter, which is having a true spiritual and natural hero in our midst. Our brother Randy will be greatly missed; however, the legacy of his impact as a man of honor, perseverance and compassion will live beyond our generation. Our deepest love and prayers to Lisa and the Simmons family.

-Rosetta Thomas & Daniel Price

It is not Minister Randy's kind words or gentle spirit that I'll always treasure. It is the way he served God by caring for others. I can remember just this past December...all the volunteers walked into a room filled with thousands of toys waiting to be wrapped for GCFI's annual toy giveaway. As we began to wrap the gifts, we quietly whispered to one another "How long are we going to be here?" Someone finally asked Randy "How long are we going to be here tonight?" Randy looked up and replied "until we get the job done". It was his commitment to serve the Lord no matter how long it takes is what I will cherish the most.

-Shonda Taylor

To the Simmons family: May God continue to bless you and keep you...Min. Randy will truly be missed... He had such a wonderful ministry and touched so many lives...my 10 year said Randy saw her crying Sunday before last.  He approached her and said "don't cry....keep your head up...God's gonna make everything alright".  Those words will stick with her forever. 

-The Fields Family: Tasha, Keni & Tyler

"I believe that an angel walked this earth. And that angel was in the person of Randy Simmons. As a former member of California's State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention-I have to say Randy Simmons was the absolute role model for all. California was a better place because he lived in it.  As a person who had the privilege of witnessing his matchless work at church and in the community, I am forever inspired by his life. I am a better person for having known him.  I thank his loving wife Lisa, those beautiful children and his entire family for being kind enough to share their angel with us. To God be the Glory for Randy Simmons."

-Mrs. Christian Wesley

I thank God for the opportunity to spend time with such an awesome man. Randy was such a man that words cannot begin to describe. His love for

people was only outshined by his love for God. I have learned a great deal from Randy and he will be deeply missed, I encourage everyone to learn and remember the way this man of God lived and not the way he passed.

-Mr. Lance Gipson

I know that whatever I may say will be said and felt a million times over.  Randy was that kind of person, that kind of man, someone that truly loved Jesus, his family, friends and every child that he met.  He was a big man that spoke softly using the power and love of God and God's Word. 

-Ivan Marks

Randy was not only a SWAT member for the LAPD, he was a SWAT member for the kingdom of God, venturing into all areas to save lost souls.

-David Horn