From 11AM this morning LA’s KCAL 9 has fully devoted its coverage to the funeral and burial of LAPD SWAT team member Randal Simmons.
Simmons, 51, died Feb. 7 in a gun battle with a man who killed three relatives inside a Winnetka home. He was the first Los Angeles Police Department SWAT officer killed in the line of duty.Officer Simmons’ funeral was held at Crenshaw Christian Faith Dome, not far from my home, so I know from witnessing that his send-off was impressive. I got a glimpse of Antonio Villaraigosa in the crowd and Arnold Schwarzenegger is said to have been there. And that is as it should be.
It’s a far cry from when Cobb and I were lamenting the lack of attention paid to the murder of LA Airport police officer Tommy Scott and while I’d rather that no one have to die in such a manner, I’m glad to see that lessons have been learned. For the few bad seeds in police forces around the country, the many good ones should be honored, especially when they give their everything.
Godspeed, Officer Simmons. Well done.
