NYC PARKS HONORS FALLEN HERO DETECTIVE BRIAN SIMONSEN WITH FIELD DEDICATION IN FOREST PARK

NYC PARKS HONORS FALLEN HERO DETECTIVE BRIAN SIMONSEN WITH FIELD DEDICATION IN FOREST PARK

Victory Field in Forest Park now renamed Detective Brian Simonsen Field in honor of NYPD detective killed in the line of duty in 2019

On Saturday, October 25th, NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa joined New York Police Department leadership, immediate family and friends of the detective, elected officials, and members of the community to honor Detective Brian Simonsen at a dedication ceremony renaming Victory Field in Forest Park in his name. A new sign bearing the name Detective Brian Simonsen Field was unveiled at the ceremony.

The event paid tribute to Detective Brian Simonsen, a 19-year veteran of the NYPD who was killed in the line of duty on February 12, 2019, while protecting the people of New York City. Detective Simonsen served out of the 102nd Precinct and was beloved by his colleagues and the community for his dedication, warmth, and genuine care for others.

"Detective Brian Simonsen was a true hero who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our city," said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. "This field will serve as a lasting tribute to his courage, his dedication to community, and his love for helping others. We are honored to ensure that his legacy lives on in this special place where generations of New Yorkers will gather, play, and remember his service."

"Detective Simonsen dedicated his life to uplifting this neighborhood, and through this renaming we can ensure that his legacy will live on, and he will continue to uplift the residents of this area for generations to come," said Councilmember Joann Ariola. "Every game played here and every event held here will carry his memory forward"

Beginning this February, Detective Brian Simonsen Field will undergo a capital reconstruction project to enhance the baseball field, funded by $1.3 million from the Office of the Mayor. The project will include upgraded playing surfaces, improved drainage, and modernized amenities to ensure this field continues to serve the community for years to come.

Forest Park is a 538-acre natural treasure that spans the Queens neighborhoods of Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, Glendale, and Forest Hills. The park features walking and hiking trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, tennis courts, a golf course, and the historic Forest Park Carousel, making it one of the most used greenspaces in Queens.

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Credit: NYC Parks / Daniel Avila

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