Randy Zimmerman

Randy J. Zimmerman was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a dedicated police officer whose passion for his work was evident to all who knew him. A 30-year-old White / Caucasian man, he had been with the Jacksonville Police Department in Texas for just 10 months, wearing badge number 216. He and his wife, Peggy, were raising their two children, J.D. and Nicole, and were active in their local church, where Randy worked with the children. Friends and family remembered him as a "very sweet" man with a constant smile and a ready hug. A former colleague recalled him as a "great friend and officer," and a man who taught others what it meant to be a good Christian and a great peace officer.

The night of Friday, October 2, 1992, was the end of Officer Zimmerman's watch. At approximately 10:00 p.m., he and his partner, Officer Brixey Lewis, were dispatched to a family disturbance call at a residence at 711 Harrison Street. They were assisted at the scene by Cherokee County Reserve Deputy Shane Cannon. The officers made contact with a male and a female involved in the dispute and began the process of separating them to de-escalate the situation. Officer Zimmerman instructed Deputy Cannon to escort the woman into another room.

As the woman was being moved to safety, Officers Zimmerman and Lewis informed the male subject that he was being placed under arrest and asked him to stand up. As the man rose to his feet, he suddenly pulled a .357 Magnum revolver from his waistband and opened fire on the officers. The attack was swift and violent. Officer Zimmerman was struck in the neck and the back of his left arm. Despite his grievous injuries, he was able to return fire. Officer Lewis also attempted to return fire, but a bullet struck his gun hand, causing his service weapon to malfunction.

From the other room, Deputy Cannon heard the gunfire and responded immediately. He returned fire, striking and killing the suspect. The immediate threat was over, but the cost was immense. Officer Randy Zimmerman had been mortally wounded in the exchange. His heroic actions, returning fire while severely injured, reflected his commitment to protecting others until the very end.

Because the sole suspect was killed at the scene, the investigation by the Jacksonville Police Department concluded without any arrests. The case is considered closed, with the primary suspect deceased. The community and the East Texas law enforcement family were left to mourn the loss of a brave officer who had made the ultimate sacrifice.

In the years following his death, Officer Zimmerman's memory has been kept alive by his family, friends, and fellow officers. His wife, Peggy, later wrote about the emptiness the family felt but also the pride in remembering the "awesome father, husband, son, officer, and friend" he was. His daughter, Nicole, shared that he now has three grandchildren who will grow up hearing stories of their heroic grandfather. The Jacksonville Police Department gives out an award in honor of Zimmerman and another fallen officer, Roscoe Lee. His name is also included on the Cherokee County Peace Officers Memorial, dedicated in 1994. In May 2021, his widow, Peggy, attended a memorial ceremony held by the department, a testament to the enduring love and respect for a man who gave his life serving his community.