Officer Down Memorial Page

Sgt. Simmons,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Jackson. You Sir are what a True Law Enforcement Supervisor is supposed to be all about-you probably didn't even have to respond to that call yet you did-that says volumes of the type of man and leader that you are. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol
February 4, 2012

Sgt. Simmons was my shift Sgt for about 6 months while I worked the evening shift in Pct. 4. He was a very good supervisor, hard but fair. He was a true street cop and would stand up for his men. I respected him a great deal. They do not make cops like him anymore.

May God Bless him and his family.

Steve Howell
JPD 1985-1995, DPS 1995-Present
July 11, 2011

Some one Killed a Policemen February 4, 1992 and Part Of America Died He answered the call he gave it his all and Part Of America Died
Sergeant Rickey Joe Simmions thank you for giving your all and pay the ultimate price to protect us REST IN PEACE my friend

Bill W. DePriest
Friend
November 25, 2010

I was enrolled as a cadet in the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer's Training Academy at Pearl when Sergeant Simmons was killed. Of course, it was big news to us rookies. Most of the class marched in formation at his funeral as a show of respect. The Academy brought in a Physician from State Hospital to talk to us about mental patients and how to handle them. The talk was worthless but I don't blame the Doctor. He was given no advanced notice to prepare and he didn't understand our perspective and what it is we wanted to know. That stuck with me.

After an agency change a few years ago, I find myself as an Administrator at East Mississippi State Hospital in Meridian, Mississippi. We are a psychiatric hospital. Because of that experience, this Wednesday, February 24th, we are holding our first course for Law Enforcement and dealing with mental illness. It is conducted by Mental Health professionals but it is designed by a couple of long time cops. The initial response is so overwhelming it will soon be open to emergency medical personnel and firemen as well.

I am dedicating this class to the memory of Sergeant Simmons.

Kelly Mitchell
East Mississippi State Hospital
February 22, 2010

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and close friends. Thank you for your long and dedicated career to others. You will never be forgotten as you are a true hero and heroes never die.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
February 4, 2010

Always on my mind, forever in my heart. A void that can never be filled. My heart still aches. You would be so proud of all the respect and honors bestowed upon you. Sadly, you are not here to feel the lovingkindness and generosity of so many people, stangers and friends. The impact of losing you is immeasurable. You were truly a man's man. Simply the best.

Yonka Simmons, widow
July 21, 2009

I am remembering you with the deepest respect for the many years of distinquished service you gave to the citizens of Mississippi. On this the seventeenth anniversary of your tragic death, I am embracing your family in my heart and in prayer.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
February 4, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK KYOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
February 1, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
November 29, 2007

Rickey Joe, I always respected and admired you for your fairness and professionalism, even when I first met you as a teenager causing trouble. You must have seen something in me that I didn't, but years later when I wore the same uniform you treated me as a brother. We will never forget you, as we will always remember the others. Take care until we meet again.

Officer Rick Stubblefield
Hinds Community College PD
July 17, 2005

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the shift to the memory of a fallen officer. Tonight, February 4, 2003, we dedicated the shift to the memory of Sergeant Rickey Joe Simmons, of the Jackson Police Department who died on this date in 1992.
When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Sgt. Simmons' sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC