The Halsey Manor Road overpass on the Long Island Expressway was dedicated to fallen NYPD Det. Brian Simonsen today, which would have been his 48th birthday.
It was a fitting tribute to the hero cop, who was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 12, 2019 while responding to a reported armed robbery in the Queens precinct he spent his 19-year career protecting.
Simonsen’s mother Linda and his widow Leanne were joined by family members, elected officials and a host of law enforcement officers from the New York City, Suffolk County and local police departments, as well as the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, for the unveiling of the signs proclaiming the overpass “NYPD Detective Brian P. Simonsen Memorial Bridge.”
It took an act of the State Legislature, signed by the governor, to name the bridge for Simonsen. The bill, sponsored by Assembly Member Jodi Giglio and State Senator Anthony Palumbo, was passed in the closing hours of the legislative session in June and signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Aug. 30.
The Manorville overpass, between exits 70 and 71 on the eastbound highway, had special meaning for Simonsen, a Jamesport native who lived with his wife in Calverton and commuted to work in the 102nd precinct in Queens. A yellow sign on the overpass reads, “Expressway Ends 4 Miles.”
For Simonsen, seeing that bridge with that sign as he made the long trek back from the city meant he was almost home.
“It was almost like the welcome-home bridge,” his widow, Leanne Simonsen said in an interview on the day the governor signed the bill.
A crowd of more than 200 people turned out for this morning’s ceremony, which took place in the eastbound lanes of the expressway just west of the overpass. Among the dignitaries in attendance were the two state legislators who sponsored the bill naming the bridge in Simonsen’s honor, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Suffolk County Sheriff Erroll Toulon, Suffolk County Legislator Catherine Stark, Riverhead Town Supervisor Tim Hubard, Riverhead Town Council members Ken Rothwell, Bob Kern and Joann Waski.
The Riverhead Fire Department attended with a ladder truck to fly the U.S. flag over the bridge.
Two NYPD officers removed a black covering to unveil the freestanding memorial sign on the embankment, while their law enforcement brethren saluted and other onlookers watched in solemn silence.
There have been numerous events locally and across the region honoring Simonsen, whose life was tragically cut short by friendly fire when he and a parter, both in plain clothes were first on scene responding to 911 calls reporting an armed robbery at a store in the precinct where they worked in the anti-crime squad. Patrol units pulled up behind them, then-NYPD Police Commissioner James O’Neill said at a press conference the night they were shot.
“Detective Simonsen exemplified the highest standards of courage and dedication,” Giglio said in a statement after the governor signed Giglio’s bill into law this summer. “It was only fitting we honor his memory in a way that will be a lasting testament to his contributions to our community. This memorial will not only honor Detective Simonsen’s lasting legacy but also inspire future generations to appreciate the dedication and sacrifices of all law enforcement officials.”
Weapons drawn, the officers entered the store, which appeared to be empty, O’Neill said. A suspect emerged from the back of the store, pointing what appeared to be a weapon, and advanced toward them, O’Neill said. The two officers fired at the suspect and retreated from the store. Multiple officers fired multiple rounds, striking both Simonsen and hit partner, Sgt. Matthew Gorman, O’Neill said. Multiple officers fired multiple rounds. Gorman was shot once in the leg and was hospitalized, the commissioner said. Simonsen was mortally wounded.
South Jamesport Avenue, where Simonsen, nicknamed “Smiles,” grew up, was named in his honor in 2019.
The Simonsen Foundation, a nonprofit organization that honors the officer’s life and memory, raises money through a gala, golf outing and other events, as well as through the sale of merchandise, to fund scholarships for seniors graduating from Riverhead High School, to purchase bulletproof vests for police K-9 dogs, and to provide financial assistance to local families and businesses in need.
RiverheadLOCAL photos by John Neely
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.
