Play area named for slain officer

Several hundred police officers, San Fernando Valley residents and dignitaries gathered this morning at West Valley Park in Reseda to rename the children’s play area in honor of slain SWAT Officer Randal D. Simmons, who was killed in the line of duty and has been hailed as hero for his police work and community service.

Councilman Dennis Zine, who unveiled a plaque as the fallen officer’s wife and children looked on, is behind a movement to rename the entire park in honor of Simmons, who was shot to death during a SWAT raid in February at a Winnetka house.

“He loved kids, he always loved children, he was a SWAT guy with a huge heart,” Zine said. “This was a perfect connection.”

Besides his police work, Simmons volunteered on the streets of inner-city neighborhoods, where he ministered to children on weekends as part of a church group he founded called Glory Kids Ministries, which steers children away from gangs and toward Christianity.

Zine said he would introduce a motion Tuesday at the Los Angeles City Council to rename the park.