"Today the city of Los Angeles mourns the loss of one of its bravest guardians, and our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Simmons' family and all the members of the LAPD at this time," said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who ordered the city's flags to be lowered in honor of the officers.
Seriously injured during the stand-off was Police Officer III+1 James Veenstra, 51, who remains in critical condition at Northridge Hospital Medical Center after being shot in the face.
Workers with the Los Angeles Fire Department pulled the fatally wounded Simmons and Veenstra out of the house in the line of fire.
"A lot of people don't know that it was Fire Department personnel that went in there to take the officers out, even while they were under a hail of bullets," said Sgt. Richard Rakitis, who visited Veenstra at the hospital.
"They deserve a lot of credit."
Trust Funds Established for Police Officer III+1 Randal Simmons and Police Officer III+1 James Veenstra
Los Angeles: 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:
LAPFCU
Blue Ribbon Trust Fund/ Officer Randal Simmons
Acct. 2030077-product code S4.12
16150 Sherman Way
Van Nuys, CA 91410
(877) 695-2732
LAPFCU
Blue Ribbon Trust Fund/ Officer James Veenstra
Acct. 2030077-product code S4.13
16150 Sherman Way
Van Nuys, CA 91410
(877) 695-2732
Contributions in their honor may also be made to:
Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation
www.lapmf.org (213) 847-4239
Los Angeles Police Foundation
www.lapolicefoundation.org (213) 489-4636
For additional information, please call LAPD Media Relations Section at (213) 485-3586.
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