Special Agent in Charge William Thomas Parr United States Environmental Protection Agency - Criminal Investigations Division U.S. Government Thursday, January 17, 2002  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

Bill was my friend and colleague during his time with us at EPA. He was a wonderful person to work with and to see every day and we remember and miss him.

Jonathan Cole, Assoc. Dir., USEPA-OCEFT
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
2009-06-03

Forgive me for missing the anniversary of your E.O.W., but I felt as though I could not continue to read about so many tragedies. I now realize the visit each day to leave a word of encouragement and hope to the loved ones of others, helps me to remember that I am not alone with my pain and heartbreak. So may I say to your friends and loved ones that my thoughts and prayers are with them now and always. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol and may they know you will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
2009-02-23

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
2008-03-31

Rest - In - Peace, Devil Dawg

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
2008-01-17

You had a distinguished career of service to your
country. You are a special agent, indeed.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

2008-01-17

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, MJ
2008-01-06

It has been five years since God took you home. May He continue to provide love, guidance and comfort to your friends, family and co-workers.

Thank you for your willingness to secure others.

APD LEO Wife

2007-01-17

Special Agent Parr, just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you today. You will never be forgotten, thank you for a job well don.
To the family my thoughts and prayers are with you, may the good memories live on.

Connie Barker
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04
2006-01-17

My fiancé, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Davis County Sheriff's Office in SE Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure William did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and William be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Agent Parr's family, friends, and co-workers must have gone through in losing him. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. Please know that my thoughts are with you and that you are not alone in your "journey". Should you ever need anything please do not hesitate to contact me. (Dennis' department will also always know how to reach me.)

As a fallen officer "survivor" and a friend, please accept my condolences on behalf of myself and the McElderry family. I never got the opportunity to know RWilliam but, I am certain he was well respected and well loved. William will live on in the hearts of all the lives he touched. You were all blessed to have been able to know and love William, even for a short time. I pray that William will continue to watch over us along with all the other fallen officers all as only they can.

Thank you Agent Parr for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiancé Dennis for me.

Wishing you and all those who loved you brighter and better days,

Jocelyne :)

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)
2005-08-28

Bless you brother. Thank you for serving our nation. May God continue to bless your family and friends.

Chesterfield County Police Dept., Va.
2005-01-17