Sergeant Rickey Joe Simmons

After graduating the Jackson Police Mississippi Academy, Sergeant Simmons was my Patrol Division Supervisor. He was very professional and always concerned about the safety of the officers under his
supervision. I later worked most of my career in other areas but always remained close to Ricky Joe. Near the end of my career, I was re-assigned to the Patrol Division where I worked with Ricky Joe again. This time we were both supervisors at Precinct Number Four.

This was a time when the Jackson Police Department was extremely short handed. We both worked many hours overtime due to the shortage of personnel. Ricky Joe encouraged me to take a night off duty to be with my family with the understanding he would be off duty the following night. As Ricky Joe handled most of the administrative duties required I generally took care of supervising the area downtown in the precinct while he oversaw the Northern area.

As I was off duty, Ricky Joe responded to a call that I would normally have taken. Unfortunately this was his last call to respond to. That night I lost my Mentor and my friend to a senseless incident caused by a criminal who should have been incarcerated long before. Ricky Joe responded to a domestic call from an elderly lady who was being assaulted by this criminal. There were no Patrol Units available for backup due to manpower shortages within the department as well as other incidents requiring the involvement of a number of officers.

When I received the phone call advising me of the incident I immediately rushed to the Hospital but was to late, my friend was gone. I have often regretted not being on duty that night. I feel had been there, things could have turned out different.

Ricky Joe was looking forward to retirement, unfortunately that was not to be. I miss my friend, and think of him often. I will not ever forget him. As law enforcement officers one will often face dangerous situations, Thanks to Ricky Joe, his advice and supervision taught me so much on how to face those situations.

Seargant Bob Campbell
Jackson Police Department; Retired

January 7, 2020