HAMPTON BAYS, N.Y. (WCBS 880) -- Mayor Bill de Blasio is expected to be among those paying tribute today at NYPD Det. Brian Simonsen's wake.
Blue ribbons line Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays where friends and relatives have been gathering a St. Rosalie Church to say goodbye to the fallen detective who was simply known as "Smiles."
Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan went to Long Island on Monday to console and comfort the mother, the widow, and the family of Simonsen.
"To see their tears and to see the lump in their throat, it causes the same in all of us," Dolan told CBS2.
Simonsen was a cop's cop, says Congressman Peter King. He was off last week, but he still responded when the call came in about a robbery at a cellphone store in Richmond Hill, Queens. A small-time petty thief aimed a fake gun and in the confusion a police bullet killed the 19-year veteran of the 102nd Precinct.
Simonsen was known for his smile and his easy going demeanor. He had a background in social work and psychology. Fellow officers say that helped him make a connection with suspects and they believe that under different circumstances perhaps he would have helped that troubled man who pointed a fake pistol at him, WCBS 880's Sean Adams reports.
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Two suspects have been charged with second degree murder, robbery, assault and other charges in the case.
Simonsen’s funeral is set for Wednesday. He is survived by his wife.