Every spouse of a law enforcement officer fears that middle-of-the-night phone call. Author Lisa Simmons has lived that nightmare. On February 7, 2008, her fifty-one-year-old husband Randy Simmons responded to a "SWAT Call-Up" in Winnetka, California, where he was tragically killed at the hands of a deranged man during an eleven-hour hostage rescue standoff that resulted in a quadruple homicide.

In 41 D-Man of Valor Lisa tells the story of her husband's multifaceted life and of his amazing accomplishments both in and out of uniform. This biography narrates how Randy overcame trials and tribulations, how he put his faith in God, and how he worked tirelessly to better the lives of underprivileged children. It shares the details of his life as a devoted husband, father, mentor, minister, football coach, and twenty-seven-year-veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department. It discusses his death as the first in LAPD history of a SWAT officer losing his life in the line of duty, of his most unprecedented funeral, and of the awards he received following his death.

With honesty, candor, and conviction, 41 D-Man of Valor delivers a true story about a man who continues to inspire as much in death as he did in life. It shows how his legacy lives on through the many people he touched.

RANDALSIMMONS.ORG
RANDYSIMMONSSWAT.COM

41 D MAN OF VALOR

The Story of SWAT Officer Randy SimmonsBy Lisa Simmons

iUniverse, Inc.

Copyright © 2012 Lisa Simmons
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4759-3705-3

Contents

Acknowledgments....................................................xiIntroduction.......................................................xvPrologue...........................................................xxi1. Saying Good-Bye to New York.....................................12. Welcome to California...........................................93. From Fairfax to Washington State................................144. Far from Home...................................................245. An Unexpected Journey...........................................356. A Badge for Officer Simmons.....................................417. SWAT............................................................468. T.G.I. Friday's.................................................509. Dating "Baby Girl"..............................................5610. Tying the Knot.................................................6711. And the Two Shall Become One...................................7512. Family + SWAT + Church = A Busy Lifestyle......................8913. The Balancing Act..............................................9814. Committing to a Vigorous and Rigorous Life.....................11115. Call to Duty...................................................11816. Church, Family, and Glory Kids.................................12717. Sacrifices.....................................................13718. Time Is a Silent Thief.........................................14919. Welby Way......................................................16320. Press B, Please................................................16821. Breaking News..................................................17622. Planning the Funeral...........................................18523. The Outpouring of Love.........................................20224. 41D—End of Watch.........................................21625. The Aftermath..................................................23326. The Unsubstantiated Investigation..............................24727. Mixed Emotions.................................................25928. A Twist in the Maze............................................27229. Honors and Dedications.........................................28430. My New Normal..................................................29131. Grace for a New Season.........................................300Epilogue...........................................................313

Chapter One

Saying Good-Bye to New York

Walking out onto the streets in Brooklyn, New York, the smell of warm baking bread coming from one of the nearby pizzerias was wafting through the air, while at the other end of the block lots of activity was going on. However, the congregant members of the Deliverance Evangelistic Center, Pentecostal Church, were oblivious to the aromas and busy streets that defined the district, as they were all more concerned about what was going on in their own lives and in their church.

Outside the church on the hot, humid day in August of 1970, several men were strutting about in their Sunday best, shaking hands with the reverend and others who were attending church. The men looked fancy in their three-piece suits with matching ties. Some even added character to their apparel by wearing shiny Stacy Adam shoes and Stetson top hats adorned with feathers placed aptly on the side. The women were also a sight to see as they paraded around in their finest apparel, complete with beautiful big hats and pointy three-inch heels, accessorized with matching purses. Those who were really into fashion and style topped off their smart-looking outfits with summery white gloves and wore strong flowery perfume. Looking fastidious yet lovely in their finery, they greeted each other with high-pitched voices, giving out hugs and kisses to friends as their children yelled, played, and ran in between them while holding tightly to their Sunday school projects.

The congregant members appeared to be happy and inspired by the sermon of the day. However, fourteen-year-old Randy Simmons felt quite the opposite; He felt that life was crashing down on him. An unexpected and unwanted turn of events was about to happen, and Randy was struggling with emotion that could not be voiced.

Standing in the doorway of the church, Randy sadly watched his parents, Dallas and Constance Simmons, as they stood on the steps of the church, kissing congregants as they said their final good-byes. They were leaving Brooklyn and their friends behind because of a calling on Dallas's life, leading him to the West Coast, where he planned to attend Fuller Seminary College in Pasadena, California.

Randy's religious father, Matthew Dallas Simmons, known to friends and congregants as Dallas, stood tall, slender, and handsome. As he was an African American man with a very light complexion, some questioned his nationality. His straight black hair and high cheekbones reflected his Indian heritage, completing his sharp, keen features. He was a good-looking man with the qualities of a striking movie star.

Randy's mother, Constance Simmons, known as Connie, was also attractive. She was a dark-complexioned African American woman of average height and size. She took great pride in her appearance and looked sophisticated all the time, with a style that was nothing short of elegant.

It was an exciting time for Dallas, as he was optimistic about receiving a master's degree in divinity and one day being the pastor of his own church. Reverend Skinner, an older African American man and pastor to Dallas, proudly gave Dallas his blessing. Ultimately, Reverend Skinner would be the catalyst that connected Dallas to some very prominent men of the cloth in California.

As Dallas said his good-byes to Reverend Skinner, he took him aside and carefully chose his words. "I want to thank you for your teachings," he said. "I truly appreciate you and will never forget all that you have done for me and my family."

Reverend Skinner responded by saying, "We'll be praying for you, Connie, and the kids, and if there is anything you need from us, please don't hesitate to call." He extended his hand and then gave Dallas a big hug.

Young Randy, the skinny little child of Dallas and Connie, had other plans and dreams, so he was not enthused about the move to California. Quite frankly, he was furious. The thought of being pulled away from his friends was too much for him to bear, but he was a humble and obedient young man, so he said nothing. Generally quiet around people he didn't know, Randy only let his hair down when he was with his friends, and only then would he allow himself to be loud and crazy. Most people characterized him as a good kid who was respectful of others and didn't like trouble. He was a good boy across the board.

As Randy walked back and sat inside on the pew of the now-emptied church, he looked around at the familiar view, tears filling his eyes and streaming down his face. He felt hopeless and started praying, asking God for help. He had often heard the adult members of the church praying, screaming, and shouting for a blessing from above. Maybe, just maybe, if he did the same, the Holy Ghost would miraculously change his father's heart and mind about this move to California.

Exiting the church, Randy's heart was broken because he knew that his world was going to change forever. As far as Randy was concerned, his father's timing couldn't be worse, as things...