Crowd Gathers For Street Dedication Honoring Fallen NYPD Hero

RIVERHEAD, NY — A sea of police officers, elected officials, family, friends and neighbors flocked to pay tribute Saturday to fallen NYPD Detective Brian Simonsen.

Simonsen was killed by friendly fire during an armed robbery in Queens on February 12.

The Riverhead town board voted on April 16, 2019 to honor Simonsen by renaming South Jamesport Avenue, the street he grew up on, in recognition of his sacrifice. Simonsen was laid to rest in the Jamesport Cemetery close by. A dedication ceremony was held Saturday at the corner of Main Road and South Jamesport Avenue on the lawn of the George Young Community Center.

(Lisa Finn)

After an introduction by Det .Daniel Byrnes of the NYPD Ceremonial Unit, the National Anthem was sung by Jayson Rios of Riverhead High School. An invocation was given by NYPD Asst. Chief Chaplain Msgr. Robert Romano, followed by speakers including Riverhead Town Supervisor Laura Jens-Smith, NYPD Police Commissioner James O'Neill, NYPD Chief of Detectives Dermot Shea, and Simonsen's lifelong friends Mike Lojko and Sean Mackie.

Jens-Smith said stories of Simonsen, known as "Smiles," have "brought smiles to our faces." Riverhead, she said, has endured grief and pain, lining its streets with blue bows, all for a man whose sacrifice will never be forgotten in a community where he will be honored forever.

O'Neill said just four months ago, a crowd gathered in Hampton Bays for Simonsen's funeral and talked about his legacy. On Saturday, he said, a promise was fulfilled, by naming a street in his memory, the street where he grew up. "Nothing will bring him back but we are here to celebrate his life and honor his sacrifice," he said.

"Greater love hath no man than a man who lays down his life for his friends," Shea said. "Four months and it seems like yesterday. The shock and pain are still fresh. We will never forget, whether it's four months or 40 years." He asked how a man's legacy is measured, and spoke of people "who stand tall on the side of good." Simonsen, he said, was an organ donor, and touched countless others who also signed up to do the same in his memory.

While laughing about stories they shared while playing basketball and growing up side by side, Simonsen's friends, at times in tears, spoke of his genuine interest in getting to know people, his caring heart, and his deeply ingrained integrity.

Simonsen grew up in Jamesport and graduated from Riverhead High School in 1995. He later moved to Calverton where he lived with his wife Leanne. Simonsen was well known for his warm personality and his ability to put a smile on anyone's face, town officials said.

He is survived by his wife Leanne, mother Linda Simonsen, and grandfather Vernon Petersen, all of whom stood proudly as the new street sign was unveiled.

"Brian Simonsen was my next door neighbor and a close friend to my family," friend Anthony Carella said. "Brian had a beautiful uplifting soul, always celebrating life. His door was always open to his family, friends and neighbors. He loved to be in the company of people. The more, the merrier. He had a way of connecting with people and it seemed like everybody knew him when we were out in public. 'Smiles' was his nickname, and it suit him well. The memories we've shared together throughout the years are priceless," he said.

Those who wish to donate can click here for "The Detective Brian 'Smiles' Simonsen Memorial Foundation Fundraiser," and purchase apparel adorned with the name "Smiles." Proceeds will be donated to the Detective Brian ‘Smiles’ Simonsen Memorial Foundation.