The DEA Honor Roll
Official Line of Duty Deaths
Basilio "Woody" Simons
Rank: Detective
Shield Number: 3856
Command: Brooklyn Special Victims Squad
Date of Death: 01/10/2018
Cause of Death: Illnesses contracted as a result of work on the rescue and recovery from the World Trade Center attacks of September 11, 2001.
Basilio Simons, better known as “Woody,” was born in Colon, Panama. A graduate of August Martin High School in Queens, he graduated John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a Bachelors of Arts degree in forensic psychology. He was appointed to the force on January 4, 1984.
During Det. Simons’ two decades with the Police Department, he worked in a variety of assignments. He began his career on patrol in the 77 Precinct. He also served in the 63 Precinct, the 84 Squad, and the Special Narcotics and Guns Unit/Brooklyn North TNT. He was promoted to Detective on May 31, 1991. At the time of his retirement on January 23, 2004, Det. Simons was assigned to the Special Victims Unit in Brooklyn North.
During his police career, Det. Simons made 547 arrests, and was recognized eight times for Excellent Police Duty and once for Meritorious Police Duty.
During his tenure as a Detective, Det. Simons was a member of the DEA softball team.
Det. Simons had many passions, including coaching youth basketball, dancing, dominos, and playing and umpiring softball, including one notable time when he was punched in the nose and had to arrest the perpetrator, an incident that wound up in the September 28, 1999 issue of the New York Times.
Det. Simons was known to friends and family as “loving a good debate,” which, they say, he always won. He was described as having a “heart of gold” and could always be depended upon when anyone needed him. His colleagues say he always made them laugh. In retirement, he also formed a security consulting company.
Det. Simons took ill as a result of his work on the rescue and recovery efforts from the World Trade Center attacks of 2001. He passed away on January 10, 2018, at the age of 58. His death was deemed in the line of duty. He is survived by his spouse, seven children, their grandchildren, siblings, and extended family members. His name was added to the Battery Park City wall on October 11, 2019.
Read “Off-Duty Officer Finds Umpiring a Hazardous Activity” on the pdf link below: