Feb 13, 2008 4:10 pm US/Pacific
Slain Officer Honored At Downtown Restaurant
Burger King Restaurant Will Donate All Proceeds To Family Of Randy Simmons
LOS ANGELES
A downtown Los Angeles Burger King restaurant held a fundraiser for the family of slain Los Angeles police Officer Randy Simmons, who lost his life during a standoff with a gunman inside a Winnetka home on Thursday.
Simmons, who passed away early Thursday morning, was the first LAPD SWAT officer to die in the line of duty.
In honor of the Simmons, 51, the owners of the Burger King at 700 W. Cesar Chavez Ave. -- Larry and Ralph Cimmarusti -- are donating all of the profits for the day to Simmons' family.
"We have a deep respect for the law enforcement community and the officers who put their lives on the line every day," Larry Cimmarusti said.
"We feel it is our responsibility as members of this community to help these families and show our respect and gratitude for all they sacrifice."
The Cimmarustis have also encouraged other area businesses to match the money raised at their restaurant.
"Officer Simmons was an outstanding member of our community," Ralph Cimmarusti said. "Anything we can do for his family, we need to do."
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa stopped by the Burger King to show his support..
The event is "another example of the generosity of Angelenos," Villaraigosa told local broadcast reports. "Of course, we encourage other businesses to do the same, and to come out in support of the LAPD, our officers, to thank Randy Simmons and his family for giving the ultimate sacrifice."
A donations box will also be placed inside restaurant for those who want to make contributions. Checks should be written to "Blue Ribbon Trust Account -- Randy Simmons."
The restaurant will stay open until midnight.
In 2006, the Cimmarustis held a similar fundraiser for the family of Officer Landon Dorris, 31, who was struck by a vehicle while outside his patrol car investigating an early morning crash at Riverside Drive and Hyperion Avenue. He succumbed to his injuries at County-USC Medical Center.
Simmons was shot and killed by Edwin Rivera, 20, who also killed three relatives before calling 911. The police then arrived at the home. Simmons was shot in the head after charging into the house with other members of the SWAT team. Another officer, James Veenstra, was shot in the face but survived and is recovering.
Two other officers suffered minor injuries.
Police eventually fired tear gas into the home following a lengthy standoff and used a battering ram to gain entry. Rivera ran from the home firing a weapon, and he was shot to death by a police sniper, police said.
Simmons has been with the LAPD for more than 25 years, including 20 on the SWAT team. He is survived by a wife, a 15-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter.
A viewing will be held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Holy Christian Fellowship International Church, 225 W. Torrance Blvd., Torrance. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at Crenshaw Christian Faith Dome, 7901 S. Vermont Ave., with burial following at Holy Cross Cemetery, 5835 W. Slauson Ave., Culver City.
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)
