SWAT Officer Randy Simmons

LAPD Mourns Loss of Veteran SWAT Officer from the LAPD (please see UPDATES below) February 07, 2008 Shortly, after 9:00 last night, the Los Angeles Police Department's Communications Division received a 911 call from a home in West Valley in the 19000 block of Welby Way.  The caller indicated he had killed 3 of his family members.  West Valley Patrol Units responded to conduct an investigation. The suspect refused to leave the home and LAPD SWAT was called to the scene.

Around 12:30 this morning, SWAT made entry into the home and an exchange of gunfire between the officers and the suspect occurred.  Two veteran SWAT officers were shot, removed from the home and rushed to Northridge Medical Center.  The incident at the home in West Valley is still ongoing, and for that reason there will be no more tactical information released at this time.

Despite the efforts of the Los Angeles Fire Department and hospital personnel, one of the officers passed away just after one o'clock this morning.  The other officer was seriously wounded but will survive.  The names of the officers will not be released until all of their family members have been notified. 

The members of the Los Angeles Police Department are deeply saddened this morning having lost a member of their family.  Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of these two brave officers.  Both have served this city for more than 25-years and have been a part of SWAT for 20 of those years.

The concept of SWAT originated in the late 1960s, and became fully operational in 1971 when personnel were assigned on a full-time basis to Metropolitan Division.  Until this morning, no SWAT officer had been killed in the line of duty despite thousands of incidents this elite unit has responded to in thirty plus years.  The only other SWAT Officer to have died on duty was Officer Lou Villalobos, who died during a training accident in March 2000. 

Lieutenant Ruben De La Torre

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SWAT Incident Details and Investigation Findings
Updated News Conference on SWAT Incident

February 08, 2008

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is now providing additional information about the gunman and victims who perished in yesterday's shootout involving the LAPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, along with a funeral date for slain SWAT Team Officer Randal Simmons, including trust funds and donation opportunities created for Simmons and seriously wounded SWAT Officer James Veenstra, who remains hospitalized in stable condition. Veenstra, who underwent several hours of surgery yesterday, is continuing to improve. It is expected he will undergo future surgeries, including jaw reconstruction.

Both Simmons and Veenstra have been highly recognized within LAPD for their dedication and expertise. Simmons was an assistant squad leader and served as a mentor and inspiration to other members of the team. He was also the most tenured member of the SWAT's critical Crisis Negotiation Team. Veenstra received a 1999 Medal of Valor, the LAPD's highest honor, for rescue efforts during a 1997 domestic violence gunfight.

Also injured with minor abrasions from bullet fragments were SWAT Officers David Keortge and Michael Odle who are in excellent condition. Keortge has been with the LAPD for 14 years and on the SWAT Team for nine months. Odle has served 29 years as an LAPD officer and been on the SWAT Team for 17 years.

Through the Los Angeles County Coroner, the gunman has been identified as Edwin Rivera, age 20. There were three victims from the suspect's family identified as Gerardo Rivera, age 54,  Edgar Rivera, age 21 and Endi Rivera, age 25. The gunman's motives are still being examined. However, LAPD investigators have determined that he suffered from psychological problems that may have contributed to his actions.

Viewing will be on Thur., Feb. 14, 2008, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Holy Christian Fellowship International Church, 225 W. Torrance Blvd., Torrance. Funeral arrangements for Simmons are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 15, 2008, at the Crenshaw Christian faith Dome, 7901 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles. The Interment immediately following will be at Holy Cross Cemetary, 5835 W. Slauson Ave., Culver City.

On Wed., Feb. 13, 2008, the Burger King at 700 W. Cesar Chavez Ave. in Los Angeles will donate 100 percent of its sales from 6 a.m. to midnight to the Simmons family, courtesy of Ralph and Larry Cimmarusti, who own more than 50 Burger King Restaurants in Los Angeles and Texas. As committed partners of the LAPD, the Cimmarusti brothers donated over $27,000 to the family of Officer Landon Dorris following his death from a traffic accident on Oct. 22, 2006.

Courtesy of the United States Marine Corp Law Enforcement Foundation, the Simmons' two children will each receive scholarships in the form of a $30,000 zero coupon bond that will mature on each child's 18th birthday. The scholarships will be for academic purposes at the educational institution of choice. 

Trust funds for Simmons and Veenstra have also been established through the Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union (please see details below):

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Thank You to the Community

February 29, 2008

The men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department and in particular the Metropolitan Division, wish to extend our deepest and most humble appreciation to the Los Angeles Community for its overwhelming support during our time of great loss. As you all know, our Metro Division brother officer, Randy Simmons, was a truly amazing human being. His death is an enormous loss to the entire community. It is due to your support that we are able to continue doing our jobs in a manner that will make Randy proud.

Your phone calls, letters, flowers, and donations for the Simmons and Veenstra families, has been truly incredible. There really are no words to describe your generosity and compassion, but it will certainly never be forgotten. Your show of support while lining the streets of Los Angeles as we traveled to Randy's final place of rest, was truly an awesome and breathtaking sight. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to be there for us. It means more than you will ever know.

We are honored to serve the residents of Los Angeles. Please know that we are always here for you as you have always been there for us.

Sincerely,

LAPD Metropolitan Division