$3.5K Raised To Help Animals In Memory Of Fallen NYPD Hero

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — The Hampton Bays community, which opened its hearts to thousands recently for the funeral of fallen NYPD Det. Brian Simonsen, continues to give back in his memory.

Julie Lofstad, a Southampton Town councilwoman, kicked off a GoFundMe page in the days before the funeral to help raise funds for ribbons that were used to make the blue and black bows that lined the streets in Hampton Bay in honor of Det. Simonsen, "and to show support for law enforcement who attended the services," she said.

Soon after the account was created, the Southampton Town Police Superior Officers Association offered to pay the cost of supplies, she added.

"By that time, we had raised well over what we needed for the ribbon, so I decided we would keep the account open and send donations to the family. The Southampton Town Police Department told me that Det. Simonsen's wife asked that all donations go the Healing Haven Animal Foundation, in his memory — he loved animals," Lofstad said.

"So to respect the wishes of the family, that's what we did," she added.

More than $3,500 was raised, Lofstad said. "Out of, and in spite of, horrific tragedy, there will be some good to come, in memory of Det. Brian Simonsen, NYPD," she said.

Simonsen and a sergeant were shot during a robbery at a T-Mobile store in Queens, officials said. He was reportedly not meant to be working that day; it was said that, fiercely dedicated, he wanted to continue investigating a series of robberies.

A heartbroken community was cloaked in mourning as friends, loved ones and officials remembered "Smiles," a man who dedicated his life to helping others.