Fallen NYPD Det. Brian Simonsen’s widow and mother to be honored as grand marshals of Jamesport St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Sure it’s the middle of winter, but spring will be here before you know it — and that means the Jamesport St. Patrick’s Day parade will soon be filling the air with the sound of bagpipes and celebration.

The East End Emerald Society’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade is set for Saturday, March 30 at 1 p.m. on Main Road in Jamesport. 

Honored as the parade’s grand marshals this year are Leanne and Linda Simonsen. 

Leanne Simonsen is the widow of fallen NYPD Detective Brian Simonsen, who was killed in the line of duty in February 2019. Linda Simonsen is Brian Simonsen’s mother. 

The 19-year veteran of the New York City Police Department grew up in Jamesport. He was mortally wounded in a shootout Feb. 12, 2019 when he responded to a call for an armed robbery in progress at a T-Mobile store in the Queens precinct he’d spent his career protecting. He was 42 years old.

The grand marshals will be aided by Tom and Mike Ferris, the East End Emerald Society announced.

The parade steps off at 1 p.m. sharp along the Main Road route fromWashington Avenue to Det. Brian Simonsen Way (South Jamesport Avenue).

The East End Emerald Society also announced the 10th annual grand marshal event, which will take place on Friday, March 1 at 6 p.m. at The Vineyards at Aquebogue, located at 978 Main Road. The grand marshals and their aides will be formally presented at the event, which is also a fundraiser supporting the parade.  Tickets are $50 per person in advance, $60 at the door. Admission includes a seated dinner. Cash bar and a Chinese auction will also be available. Tickets may be purchased by mailing a check to East End Emerald Society, P.O. Box 327, Jamesport NY 11747. 

It’s not too late to register to march in the parade. To register, visit the East End Emerald Society’s website.