Assembly Resolution No. 1015

BY: M. of A. Giglio JA

CELEBRATING the enduring efforts of the Detective
Brian "Smiles" Simonsen Foundation, and expressing
its deepest gratitude for the contributions of
Detective Brian P. Simonsen and the foundation which
bears his name

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its
grateful appreciation in recognition of the charitable efforts of the
Detective Brian "Smiles" Simonsen Foundation and the lasting impacts of
Detective Brian "Smiles" Simonsen to his community, to the youth, and to
the law enforcement family; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sadness that this Legislative Body
remembers the passing of Detective Brian P. Simonsen, a lifelong
resident of Riverhead, New York, who died in the line of duty on
February 12, 2019, at the age of 42; and

WHEREAS, At the time of his death, Detective Brian P. Simonsen, a
19-year veteran of the 102nd Precinct in Queens, was off duty,
selflessly responding to a robbery call; and

WHEREAS, The Detective Brian "Smiles" Simonsen Foundation was
created to preserve Detective Simonsen's legacy; and

WHEREAS, Nicknamed "Smiles" for his contagious grin, cheerful
disposition and the innate ability to positively influence everyone he
met, Brian P. Simonsen was the epitome of goodness; the primary mission
of the foundation is to never forget him and to "Do Good" while
spreading smiles; and

WHEREAS, His foundation holds and participates in fundraisers that
bring together the Law enforcement community in mutual solidarity, using
proceeds towards the foundation's mission to buy safety gear for K-9
working dogs, award college scholarships to deserving students from
Riverhead High School, and donation are made to the marine rescue center
in Riverhead which helps rescue animals who have been impacted by
pollution and other human activities which in turn will improve animal
welfare and inspire compassion, two beautiful qualities Brian portrayed
during his life; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the foundation holds Youth Field Days to
encourage athletic development and community building in the 102nd
Precinct; and

WHEREAS, Detective Brian P. Simonsen spent his entire career with
the NYPD in the 102nd Precinct, in Queens, New York, starting as a
uniformed patrol before being promoted to Detective; he was loved and
admired by both his community as well as the entire NYPD, which were all
extremely dear to his heart; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his father, Dr. Paul M. Simonsen, and his
sister, Melissa Simonsen, Brian P. Simonsen is survived by his loving

wife, Leanne Simonsen; his mother, Linda Simonsen; and his grandfather,
Vernon Petersen; and

WHEREAS, Brian P. Simonsen was always the first to step up and
assist family, friends or strangers; he was kind, compassionate and
loving, and found the best in everyone and everything; he adored his
family, treasured his friends and coworkers but above all loved the life
he made with his wife, Leanne; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Brian P. Simonsen leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the
grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the enduring efforts of the Detective Brian "Smiles" Simonsen
Foundation, and to express its deepest gratitude for the contributions
of Detective Brian P. Simonsen and the foundation which bears his name;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Detective Brian P. Simonsen.