South Jamesport Avenue today received the honorary designation “Det. Brian Simonsen Way” at ceremonies attended by his family, friends, dozens of fellow officers and elected officials.
Simonsen, 42, a 19-year veteran of the department, was killed in the line of duty in Queens on Feb. 12, after responding to a call about an armed robbery in progress. He left behind his wife Leanne, his mother Linda and his grandfather Vernon Petersen.
He grew up on South Jamesport Avenue. At the time of his death, he was a resident of Calverton.
“Every time we see this sign, we will remember a man who once lived on this street, ” Riverhead Town Supervisor Laura Jens-Smith said, “a man who made the lives of those around him better, a man whose joyful way of life we can all hope to emulate, and a man who served, protected, and sought to make his community better. “
Today’s ceremonies, which took place on the corner of South Jamesport Avenue and Main Road, were also attended by NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.
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