Patrolman James A. Parker North Carolina Highway Patrol North Carolina Wednesday, June 19, 1974  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

2009-06-19

Patrolman Parker,
On today, the 35th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow officer for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of North Carolina. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

2009-06-19

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Officer Parker.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL
2008-12-17

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
2007-12-27

MY BROTHER, YOU LEFT US 33 YEARS AGO TODAY. YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN. A HERO IS NOT FORGOTTEN. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. YOU HAVE SERVED WELL.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
2007-06-19

James,
You were a good neighbor and friend. Thank you for your dedication and service. We miss you.
Mac Robertson
Eden, NC

2006-03-06

Hello James: I did know you, as you knew me. I am that young kid with a bad attitude and from the wrong side of the tracks. The one you took under your wing into your scout troop and taught me such things as honor, courage and morales. The same one you encouraged to be the best at whatever you chose to do and followed my naval career while here on earth.
Thanks James, and yes, I have always remembered you and thought of you many times when out there on the streets. Well, I followed your path into those streets James and still follow the path you taught me.

SAM

Joseph S. Jones, Master Deputy
Charleston County Sheriff's Office
2004-05-08

Patrolman Parker, I never knew you, but I know your grandson, Jay...you would be very proud of him carrying a badge for the Eden Police Department...he is a fine young man. God Bless you...

jim thomas, magistrate
north carolina judicial branch