Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

He was my dad's best friend...Jerry Hart. My dad was also a Florida State Trooper.

Kimberly Hart
Childhood friend

March 7, 2024

Trooper Parks,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Florida. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 6, 2023

Trooper Parks died at 28yrs of age.
After serving 6 years.

The good die young.

Citizen-Danielle Morrow
Nassau County

April 26, 2022

Trooper Parks, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 5, 2019

Trooper Parks was also a member of the Yulee Volunteer Fire Department. We still lower our flag on February 6th every year in remembrance of his passing. Trooper Parks, your service to this community has not, and will not be forgotten

Chief Danny Lightsey
Yulee Volunteer Fire Dept

June 5, 2017

The years may pass but your sacrifice will always be remembered! Thank you Trooper Parks! Rest in Peace!

Corporal Tony Dunn
Mississippi Highway Patrol, Troop D

February 6, 2015

Chuck was my cousin. All together we were five, my three sibs and him. I knew him as a dumpling small boy who laughed and loved to play. His parents separated when he was little. I never saw him again and did not know him as a boy or a man. He sounds remarkable and for that I am glad. And sad that he did not live to do what I have done...see grown children and grandchildren. We heard that he had been killed and mourned his passing but were proud that he served and we lost him serving. I wish I could have known him and am sorrier still I did not know his daughters.

Margaret Winfield Sullivan
first cousin

December 8, 2014

Rest in Peace, Trooper Parks. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 9, 2012

RIP Sir, you were a hero.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

February 6, 2012

May the family have peace. What happen to the killer-Willie james Ross?

Bobby Woodson
Teacher at Fernandina Beash jr. high school

June 21, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 6, 2011

To the Parks family, we have not forgotten the sacrifice you and your HERO made for all of us. Continue to rest in peace Trooper Parks. HEROES do live forever.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

February 6, 2011

Thank you all for your kind words. My Daddy will never be forgotten. Yes, my Mother joined my Dad in heaven just 2 weeks after the I-95 dedication. I am so very glad that it all took place before she passed. At the time of her passing, she was the principal at a school in Nassau County. Her school dedicated a road and an out-door learning center in her memory. What great legacies of both parents to now share with my own children. God Bless all the men and women who uniform-up daily to protect our freedom!

Angela Parks Lawson
daughter

June 18, 2010

Gone but never forgotten.

Trooper
Colorado State Patrol

April 11, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 4, 2008

"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

December 12, 2007

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K. Murphy
Union PD, NJ

November 29, 2007

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

October 2, 2007

I was blessed to be a part of the Highway Dedication last year for Trooper Parks. I-95 at the Welcome Center in Nassau County, Florida has been renamed the Trooper Charles W. Parks Memorial Highway. Thank you, Trooper Parks for your ultimate sacrifice.

Sandi Parrott
Florida Highway Patrol

February 4, 2006

To the family I barely remember Mr Parks or so I called him at the time.My father the late Trooper Freddie Lamar Blanton was stationed in Duval County at the time of his death.My father went to recruit school 01/12/68 and passed away with cancer 07/13/87 and was still a Trooper at the time of his death. My father and Trooper Parks were very good friends and I can remember as a child of 8 yrs old going to his house. I also remember vagely as a child while at his home running into his patrol car with a bicycle which resulted in trouble when I got home. I also remember going to the funeral and how upset my father was. I am a Trooper stationed in Hamilton County Troop B lake City. I have been employed for 18 years.

trooper emory r blanton
fhp

November 10, 2004

Trooper Parks,
On October 22 2004, I-95 in Nassau County was dedicated to you. Your widow and 2 daughters were on hand one of which you never met due to your wife expecting during this tragic date. Now when have learend that you widow wife has passed and joined you not even 2 weeks after the dedication.. May God join you with your wonder wife who I had an opportunity to get to know.. I wished I could have met you.. I was 14 years old at the time you passed and now I have be with FHP for 25 years.. May you both rest in peace..

November 6, 2004

I-95 in Nassau County Florida was dedicated on Friday October 22, 2004 as the Trooper Charles W. Parks Memorial Highway. Now we will always remember this trooper for the ultimate sacrifice he made while keeping the Citizens of Florida Safe. Rest in Peace, Trooper Parks.

Florida Highway Patrol

November 1, 2004

Chuck, I enjoyed knowing & working with you. I went to the scene and your funeral. I was (and am) very proud of you. Hopefully, we'll meet again. Shep

Lt (Ret) J. F. Sheppard, Jr.
Florida Highway Patrol

July 16, 2004

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

June 25, 2004

You are not forgotten.

TROOPER
FHP

May 31, 2004