Mourners gather for Simmons funeral
UPDATED: Two fire trucks sit at the cemetery, Times reporter Paloma Esquivel says, ladders raised, flying a vast American flag that can be seen from miles around.
PREVIOUSLY:This morning's funeral service for slain LAPD SWAT Officer Randal Simmons is expected to be the largest in department history. The 11 a.m. service at the Crenshaw Christian Faith Dome in South Los Angeles, followed by a procession to the burial site in Culver City, will shut down numerous major streets and force the rerouting of bus lines.
Large crowds, including many teens who worked with Simmons as part of his youth ministry, had already gathered at the church.
Simmons, 51, died a week ago during a shooting in Winnetka. He was the first member of the department's elite SWAT team to be killed in the line of duty. Another SWAT officer, James Veenstra, was critically wounded.
While he won praise for his skills and valor during his 27 years on the force, Simmons was also lauded for his community involvement, his religious faith and volunteer work with his church. He spent most of his off-hours mentoring youth.
Los Angeles Police Capt. James Craig said Simmons was "passionate about the job and passionate about making a difference in the community."
-- Jesus Sanchez
The Los Angeles Mission is saddened that such a fine example of Christian love and caring has been taken from us for a time. We extend our love and prayers to his family and we pledge to carry on his spirit of Christian love as we serve those in need.
Posted by: Herb Smith | February 15, 2008 at 01:40 PM
I wanted to pay my respect by watching the entire ceramony on my day off at home.
What a great example of being a Christ like in a human being, to me.
Thank you Officer Simmons Thank you
Loretta Tafoya
Posted by: Loretta Tafoya | February 15, 2008 at 01:52 PM
I believe that everyone can do a little to help his fellow man, even if it's just a few words of encourgement. I believe as a communitty we can take this opportunity to rehabilitate our relationships between the police department and parts of the los angeles communitiy and celebrate this man's example and legacy by declaring this day as a local holiday. This holiday should focus on celebrating diversity and community service. I would even go as far to say that someone should make a movie to magnify this man's lifes work. God bless his family, extended family and the police department.
Posted by: Lashaunta Harris | February 15, 2008 at 02:45 PM
Why is officer simmons being buried @ a catholic cemetary in culver city. This definitely was not a catholic funeral nor was he a practicing catholic.
Posted by: cranston | February 15, 2008 at 03:04 PM
My condolences to the family. Many people talk about God, but Simmons really appeared to be a true man of God. We should all take a message from his life and death.
Posted by: C. Smith | February 15, 2008 at 03:45 PM
Sad about judging why Officer Simmons was buried in Catholic Cemetery....and it was not a Catholic service.
Jesus will welcome this man any day....we humans have much to learn from Him.
"Judge not, lest ye be judged'? is a clear message.
Bless Officer Simmons for his Christ-like way of living.
Posted by: Bianca | February 16, 2008 at 10:58 AM