Police Here to Pay Respects to Fallen N.Y.P.D. Detective, East End Native

An N.Y.P.D. detective killed by friendly fire from fellow officers as they tried to stop a robbery in Queens on Tuesday night was an East End native known to many local police officers. 

Detective Brian P. Simonsen grew up in South Jamesport and graduated from Riverhead High School in 1995. He lived with his wife in Calverton while serving for the past 19 years as a police officer. He was 42. 

East Hampton Town Police Chief Michael Sarlo said Wednesday night that he was sure his officers would participate in upcoming services. "As an East End resident, many local officers knew him and several worked with him in the N.Y.P.D. before they came out east," he said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time."

East Hampton Village and Sag Harbor Village police are also expected to send officers to the services. 

Funeral arrangments were announced late Wednesday night. The Simonsen family will receive visitors at St. Rosalie Catholic Church in Hampton Bays on Monday from 7 to 9 p.m., and on Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and again from 7 to 9. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the church on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at the Jamesport Cemetery. 

The DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck is assisting the family with arrangements.