Reserve Officer Russell Hayden Simpson

Russell Hayden Simpson

Reserve Officer Russell Simpson drowned while attempting to rescue a teenage boy who had been swept into the ocean while walking his dog along the beach.

He had responded to the scene and was part of a rope-chain of people attempting to reach the boy. Reserve Officer Simpson was also pulled under by the strong current and swept into the ocean. The boy was rescued a short time later by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Reserve Officer Simpson had served with the Bandon Police Department as a code enforcement officer and a reserve officer for four years. He was a retired firefighter from the Los Angeles County, California, Fire Department. He is survived by his wife, mother, and brother, who is also an officer with the Bandon Police Department.