Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Bill and Family,

I was a little boy when my Mom got the call in the middle of the night about your murder from my Dad and your Partner at the Sheriff’s Department. I learned that night and in memorials that followed what Brotherhood is. You (all) lived on profoundly in my Dad’s life and in mine over the last 31 years with the LAPD. To this day, I carry your memory in my cherished daily responsibility of personally ensuring every officer, detective and agent in my charge gets in from their shift and home safely above all else. I will do this as long as I am on the job and consider it my mission to inspire other generations to stand watch the same. I share your story often with young officers to teach, view your memory here when I need the reassurance of a good Partner and thought you would like to know that you are truly remembered every day.

Detective-Sergeant
Los Angeles Police Department

October 10, 2019

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Simmons.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 23, 2019

Deputy Simmons's story was read in Richton Park Police Department's roll call on 11-19-17 to remember and honor him.

Sgt. James Galvan
Richton Park Police

November 19, 2017

RI.P. Bill.
Bill and I grew up together in Central Illinois. His mother, and my mother were sisters. I have baby pictures and growing up pictures of us together, and we attended same school together before he moved away. However, still have fond memories of him, and have visited his widow a few times. I now live in Texas, and I go back to Illinois for my class reunion every 5 years. I visit his grave often, and think of our childhood.

Sgt Charles M. Peters. Retired
Amarillo Texas, Police Dept.

November 25, 2016

Rest in Peace, Deputy Simmons. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 29, 2013

Thank you for your service and sacrifice, Deputy Simmons. You are a true hero....along with the other men & women who wear the badge and serve and protect us each and every day.

Citizen

January 13, 2013

Thank You for your service.

Detective SGT. Shawn Kahl
Macoupin County Sheriff's Department

December 14, 2012

To The Simmons Family,
I was married to Deputy Ginder at the time of Bills passing.
Ken and I went with the Sheriff to the Simmons Home to tell them of the tragedy.I never want to do that again as is so hard to do.
We knew the family and they were great people.I always prayed that the person that had done this would be caught and finally was. I am from clinton and I go often to vist my familys graves and I always visit Bills grave.He was a very fun and likable man.Gone to soon. I will never forget that night.Bill will never be forgotten.R. I. P.

Jane Gineder
Friend

September 22, 2012

A couple of months ago I watched the Cold Case show about my brother. I learned several interesting things that I had not known for so many years. Even though it was extremely difficult to see the pictures of my brother shot in his squad car I am grateful to the woman who subjected herself to being hypnotized in order to identify the tow truck used that evening. Both my parents are gone now but I will never forget the pain of losing their son that they both carried to their grave. Bill was a wonderful big brother and I think of him often. I too went into law enforcement and truly appreciate the life sacrifice that he made. I miss you. Dixie

Dixie Simmons Herman
Sister

March 28, 2012

I lived next door to Bill for several years before his murder. He was a great guy. I was 22 at the time. We used to talk cars all the time. He was very happy to tell my father and myself about this hot rod chevy that could lay rubber at 70 mph. I remember about a week after becomming a deputy we were BS'ing outside and he told me what a kick he got when he hit the lights and cars would pull to the side of the road so he could rush past. I remember being shocked that morning when I heard about his murder. I moved from Springfield in 1977 and thought that was the end. I heard from old neighbors many years later that someone had confessed. The details were sketchy and it wasn't until today that I saw the real details. To his wife at the time I would like to say how sorry our family was. You were excellent neighbors and Bill was a fine man.

Pat Henning

January 9, 2012

Deputy Sheriff William D. Simmons has not been forgotten.
My family was coming home that night when we came upon the scene. I was 7 years old, and I have never forgotten that night. Fellow officers came every year on the anniversary date and stayed in my grandparents' house to survey the scene. Memorial signs have been put up at that intersection in Deputy Simmons honor. I still see officers gathering in rememberance certain times of the year. I am glad to see such support.

Anonymous
Family lived near the corner.

July 24, 2011

Bill, I think of you often. I am sorry it took me 17 years to arrest your killer. I am sorry for what your family went through on March 8, 1975 and what they had to endure again on May 17, 1992. It hurt me to know your daughter had her heart broken fror a second time when the arrest was made. Having worked on your case all those years, I can tell you...you are in my thoughts and prayers every day of my life.

Asst Chief
Friend and fellow deputy sheriff

July 24, 2011

Bill and I grew up together in a small town in Clinton, Illinois. In the 4th grade, he moved to Chicago Burb, and we didn't see each other much after that. His mother, and my mother were sisters. I always thought how ironic it was that we both were in law enforcement. I graduated high school in Clinton, and go back every 5 years for my class reunion, and more often than that, if I can. He is buried in Clinton, and I visit his grave EVERY time I am there. R.I.P Bill, I miss you and well as the family.

Sgt. Charles "Marion" Peters
Amarillo, Texas PD. Retired. Cousin.

June 22, 2011

It has been 36 years since your ultimate sacrifice but sites like this will allow it to never be forgotten. Thank you for your service.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

March 10, 2011

Deputy Simmons, you will not be forgotten! R.I.P.

Deputy Sheriff
Livingston County (Il) Sheriff's Ofc.

September 17, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 8, 2010

lost track of Bill after HS and marriage- but heard second hand of tragic death which I had no way to confirm. How shocking after 30-some years to finally see the tragic details on A&E.
Bills brother Dave was my best friend thru High School at Carl Sandburg in Orland Park, IL- and we spent alot of time with Bill and his beautiful wife and kids. Bills family lived next-door to his mom and dad, Dave's parents, of course.
I- also played on the Church softball team, with Dave- and Ron and Denny Hinds, whom I see also left a reflection here.
Bill Either pitched- or played first- was team captain- and batted-pitched left handed. Could this fact have contributed to delaying defending himself quickly- because his weapon was next to the door jam? maybe so.
I will never forget his brand new '63 fire engine red Galaxy 390 convertible. It was his pride and joy! 4-speed with red buckets- man- would that thing fly!
Sorry to blab on- but the memories- cut short. I didn't even know he became an officer- He had a great job managing a grocery store before we parted ways.
I can only offer a long-belated heartbroken condolence to his remaining family- and friends.
Jack Mc Guire

Anonymous

April 7, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 34th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 8, 2009

RIP Mr Simmons and Good Life on to your family
NJ

Johnson
just heard it on A&E

March 19, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

March 11, 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

October 22, 2007

I just heard of your story on A&E like most of the reflections left here. The only thing that came to mind was "Justice delayed is not Justice denied." How true that is in your case. 17 years is a long time for your family, friends, and department to wait for justice to come but in the end it was served.
Thank you for your service and desire to protect those in your community. Rest in Peace.

Erin
Wife of a CSPD Officer

October 16, 2007

We are the riders of the IL COPS Cycle Across Illinois, and as a result of your colleague's efforts, we will remember your sacrifice and your memory as we ride across Illinois from June 28-July 1, 2007. In particular, on June 27th, we will dedicate a portion of our ride to you. You and your family will never be forgotten.

Mark Hannan
US NRC - Office of Investigations

June 24, 2007

I remember Bill Simmons from back in the 1960's 1st Baptist Church of Oak Lawn Illinois (SW side of Chicago). Bill was a nice guy and we played softball together with his brother Dave and my brother Denny. May God Bless his family, friends and colleagues.
Ron Hinds

Ron Hinds
Friend

March 1, 2007

I learned of your story on the German TV-Series, US Police Cold Cases. It took 17 years but your murderer was brought to Justice. Now, R.I.P Dep. Sheriff Simmons.

Cpl Jean-Paul Rochat
Swiss Army, MP Service

May 26, 2006