Manorville bridge renamed for NYPD Det. Brian Simonsen, LI native killed while responding to 2019 robbery

NYPD veteran and South Jamesport native Brian Simonsen, known to friends as "Smiles," drove 70 miles back and forth daily from his home to the 102nd Precinct in Queens.

Tuesday, on what would have been Simonsen’s 48th birthday, the last bridge he drove under on his way home to Calverton, formerly the Halsey Manor Road Bridge in Manorville, was renamed the NYPD Detective Brian P. Simonsen Memorial Bridge. 

Simonsen, who was killed by friendly fire during a Queens robbery in 2019, was honored during a dedication and sign unveiling in which he was remembered for his positivity and resilience.

His wife, Leanne Simonsen, said the family has been working on the renaming for the past two years, culminating in Gov. Kathy Hochul signing the bill in August.

"When they finally got it passed, it was overwhelming. We were so happy. We just want his name out there, everywhere, so people always remember him," Leanne Simonsen said. "He was so worth remembering. He lived a life that was just full of joy and he brought joy to everybody, and we just want everyone to carry his name on forever, even after we’re gone."

Brian Simonsen, 42, was killed Feb. 19, 2019, when he responded off duty just after 6 p.m. to an attempted armed robbery at a T-Mobile store in Richmond Hill, Queens. As police responded, authorities said officers fired 42 shots in 11 seconds, killing Simonsen in the crossfire. His supervisor, NYPD Sgt. Matthew Gorman of Seaford, was shot in the left leg but later recovered.

Two men involved in the robbery were each sentenced in Simonsen’s death. Christopher Ransom, who entered the story holding a toy gun resembling a black pistol and pointed it at officers, pleaded guilty to second-degree aggravated manslaughter and first-degree robbery. He was sentenced to 33 years in prison.

Jagger Freeman of Queens was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison after he was convicted of second-degree murder and robbery while serving as the lookout in the robbery.

Following Simonsen’s death, his family worked with Long Island leaders to rename the bridge in a bill sponsored by State Sen. Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) and Assemb. Jodi Giglio (R-Riverhead).

Tuesday morning, a Riverhead fire ladder truck hung an American flag on the bridge as dozens of NYPD and Suffolk police officers lined the Long Island Expressway, which was closed for the event. 

"Even those events of that fateful day are emblematic of who Brian was as a human being. He was off duty and jumped into the fray and ran toward the danger," Palumbo said. "So we remember him, and we dedicate this bridge to him, we remember his service to the police department, to his community and to his family and friends."

Leanne Simonsen marveled at her husband’s resiliency and ability to overcome challenges in his life. As a teen, Brian lost his sister and father, a pivotal moment that she said helped define his character and direction in life.

"He definitely chose the high road. He brought his pain to power and just brought love and light to everybody in his world," Leanne Simonsen said.

She said her husband never wanted to leave where he grew up and where he settled his family while continuing to serve in the NYPD. The family pointed to changes that his death brought, including funding for lighter, slimmer bulletproof vests. Simonsen wasn't wearing one the day he was killed because the vests were bulky and didn't fit under a suit.

"Brian was a good, good detective," Leanne Simonsen said. "He really solved problems for police officers who were having issues, and he was more than happy to do it so his death wasn't in vain. He's still saving lives today. They brought on new bulletproof vests that were because of him, and I believe it's saving many, many detectives' lives."

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.