LEVITTOWN, NY - Vigilance LEMC is a motorcycle club that is comprised of 100% law enforcement officers and they have been holding an annual motorcycle ride since New York Police Department (NYPD) Detective Brian Simonsen was killed in the line of duty back in 2019.
As part of the memorial ride, the club also raises money with 100% of the donations going directly to the Brian "Smiles" Simonsen Foundation, which was created to preserve Detective Simonsen's legacy, according to FundtheFirst.com.
"Nicknamed 'Smiles' for his contagious grin, cheerful disposition, and ability to positively influence everyone he met, Detective Simonsen was the epitome of goodness," the fundraiser page said. "The primary mission of the foundation is to never forget Detective Simonsen and to 'Do Good' while spreading Smiles."
The foundation awards scholarships as well as other endeavors within the community. Detective Simonsen was a fierce animal lover, and some of the money raised by the foundation will support animal rescue facilities to help improve welfare and inspire compassion.
The Annual Brian “Smiles” Simonsen Memorial Motorcycle Ride is scheduled, according to the group's instagram, for Sunday August 24, 2025.
Detective Simonsen was a 19-year veteran of the NYPD when he was killed in the line of duty on February 12, 2019. He was at work attending a DEA delegates meeting and was excused from work that evening. He was in plainclothes when a call came in about a robbery in progress at a T-Mobile store.
Detective Simonsen along with another officer responded to the store. Uniformed officers arrived on scene shortly after as well.
Numerous shots were fired by the uniformed and plainclothes officers.
As part of the memorial ride, the club also raises money with 100% of the donations going directly to the Brian "Smiles" Simonsen Foundation, which was created to preserve Detective Simonsen's legacy, according to FundtheFirst.com.
"Nicknamed 'Smiles' for his contagious grin, cheerful disposition, and ability to positively influence everyone he met, Detective Simonsen was the epitome of goodness," the fundraiser page said. "The primary mission of the foundation is to never forget Detective Simonsen and to 'Do Good' while spreading Smiles."
The foundation awards scholarships as well as other endeavors within the community. Detective Simonsen was a fierce animal lover, and some of the money raised by the foundation will support animal rescue facilities to help improve welfare and inspire compassion.
The Annual Brian “Smiles” Simonsen Memorial Motorcycle Ride is scheduled, according to the group's instagram, for Sunday August 24, 2025.
Detective Simonsen was a 19-year veteran of the NYPD when he was killed in the line of duty on February 12, 2019. He was at work attending a DEA delegates meeting and was excused from work that evening. He was in plainclothes when a call came in about a robbery in progress at a T-Mobile store.
Detective Simonsen along with another officer responded to the store. Uniformed officers arrived on scene shortly after as well.
Numerous shots were fired by the uniformed and plainclothes officers.
Detective Simonsen and the other officer were struck by gunfire, and Simonsen later died from his injuries.
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