NOT ALL POLICE ARE BAD COPS

Sgt. Dennis ‘DJ' Simmonds, who died in the line of duty seven years ago, is remembered by BPD for his service and sacrifice: Today, April 10, 2021, we honor the service and sacrifice of Boston Police Sgt. Dennis ‘DJ' Simmonds, who died seven years ago on this day after suffering a medical emergency as a result of injuries sustained during a shootout in Watertown with the attackers.

On April 15, 2013, two explosions at the Boston Marathon finish line detonated within seconds of each other, killing three people and wounding over 200 more.

A huge manhunt was launched in the days following the attack. Police confronted the bombs four days later on a suburban street in neighboring Watertown, Massachusetts.

D.J. Simmonds, a Boston police officer, was one among the first cops on the site. A handmade explosive thrown at police by the Tsarnaev brothers injured him.

Simmonds died about a year later as a result of his injuries.

Officer Simmonds and his colleagues responded to Watertown just after midnight on April 19, 2013, almost eight years ago, for a developing incident outside the city. Officer Sean Collier of the MIT Police Department had been murdered in Cambridge, and the perpetrators were believed to be hiding in Watertown. Officer Simmonds was one of the first Boston police officers to arrive on the site, and he rapidly found himself in a gunfight with the attackers. Officer Simmonds suffered a significant head injury during the fight when one of the suspects threw an explosive device at him. Officer Simmonds experienced a medical emergency almost a year later, on April 10, 2014, as a result of the injuries incurred on that terrible evening, which would finally claim his life.

Officer Simmonds and his companions would receive the Schroeder Brothers Medal, the BPD's highest recognition and distinction for daring and bravery, in the days following Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's arrest. Officer Simmonds' family and other Boston Police Officers traveled to Washington, DC in May 2014, a month after his death, to collect an award from President Barack Obama.

On that day, May 12, 2014, President Barack Obama would award the nation's Top Cop Award to 25 Massachusetts police officers, including Officer Simmonds, for their bravery and dedication during the Boston Marathon bombing and the subsequent capture of the perpetrators. “Our entire country saw once again the strong stuff that these men and women in uniform are made of in Boston,” President Obama said during the event. We don't always get the chance to get up and thank the men and women who protect us. But they're out there every day, hundreds of thousands of you, patrolling our streets. And we know that when we need you the most, you'll be ready to run into danger to save our lives, even if it means risking your own.”

So, on this day, the men and women of the BPD respectfully request that you take a time to honor and thank those who rush into danger, willing to risk their own safety in order to protect and serve others. On this day, we ask you to remember Boston Police Sgt. Dennis Simmonds' service and sacrifice.

Sgt. Simmonds is interred in Jamaica Plain's Forest Hills Cemetery, and his name is on Panel 33 East Line 29 of the National Law Enforcement Memorial. His name is also inscribed on the State Memorial at the State House and the Boston Police Memorial at Boston Police Headquarters.

The Boston Police Academy, located at 85 Williams Avenue in Hyde Park, has erected a Hero Sign.

On June 14, 2018, the Boston Police Department elevated him from officer to sergeant posthumously.

So, I stand on the title. Not all police are bad cops. I’m a veteran myself of the US Army and I personally want to say thank you to all members of the armed forces, and local first responders all around the world! We need you to care, we need you to love, and protect us. To all the good police officers around the world that stand up for what is right we greatly appreciate you.

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LOVE, PEACE, UNITY