Vigil held to remember fallen NYPD detective from LI
Vigil held at Queens precinct to remember NYPD detective
News 12 Staff
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Feb 17, 2019, 10:34 PM
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Updated 1,900 days ago
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Detective Brian Simonsen was remembered Sunday at the NYPD precinct where he served in Queens.
Hundreds gathered outside the 102nd Precinct in the Richmond Hill section of Queens for the prayer vigil in a show of support for the NYPD following his death.
The Calverton native was fatally shot last Tuesday by friendly fire. Investigators say it happened as eight officers responded to a robbery at Queens T-Mobile store, where a suspect charged at them with fake handgun.
The group of officers fired a total of 42 shots at the suspect in 11 seconds and when the smoke cleared, 42-year-old Simonsen had been struck once in the chest.
New York City PBA President Pat Lynch says that even though Simonsen was killed by friendly fire, it's important to remember that officers were called to respond to an armed robbery.
"No matter where the rounds came from, that mope caused his death and we should never ever forget this,” says Lynch.
Viewing services for Detective Simonsen will be held Monday and Tuesday with a funeral service to follow on Wednesday at Church of St. Rosalie in Hampton Bays.
"No matter where the rounds came from, that mope caused his death and we should never ever forget this,” says Lynch.
Viewing services for Detective Simonsen will be held Monday and Tuesday with a funeral service to follow on Wednesday at Church of St. Rosalie in Hampton Bays.
