Flushing in Queens in Queens County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Detective Brian "Smiles" Simonsen Memorial Field

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 7, 2026

1. Detective Brian "Smiles" Simonsen Memorial Field Marker

Inscription.
Detective Brian "Smiles" Simonsen, a member of the 102nd Precinct, lost his life in the line of duty responding to a robbery on February 12, 2019, at 42 years old. He exemplified love for this community both on and off-duty.

A family-man and valued member of the Richmond Hill community, he is remembered for his commitment to neighborhood youth. On this ballfield, Brian coached clinics and held events for kids to experience the joy of playing ball.

Brian's legacy is one of valor, dedication, and sacrifice. Though his life was tragically cut short, his impact of kindness and love for the neighborhood will carry on for generations to come as young people enjoy sports and athletics on this ballfield.

Erected by NYC Parks. (Marker Number 1300.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Law Enforcement • Parks & Recreational Areas • Sports. In addition, it is included in the NYC Parks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 12, 2019.

Location. 40° 42.145′ N, 73° 51.261′ W. Marker is in Queens, New York, in Queens County. It is in Flushing. It is on Myrtle Avenue east of Woodhaven Boulevard, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 90-19 Myrtle Ave, Ridgewood NY 11385, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New York City.

It is also in the American Northeast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

the Western Hemisphere,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: PFC Laurence Strack Memorial Pond (approx. 0.2 miles away); Forest Park Carousel (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named PFC Laurence Strack Memorial Pond (approx. ¼ mile away); First House Number in Queens (approx. half a mile away); 1914 Pine Grove and the Memorial Drive Trees (approx. 0.6 miles away); Jayne Carlson Triangle (approx. 0.7 miles away); Forest Park Centennial Pine Groves (approx. 0.7 miles away); Betty Smith 1943 (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Queens.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 7, 2026

2. Detective Brian "Smiles" Simonsen Memorial Field Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 8, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.