Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I met Jon many, many years ago, never realizing that he would become a policeman. He was so full of life and promise.

He went on to greater things after that day of so long ago and now, we are faced with his loss.

We thank THE LORD for his life and his commitment to justice for his fellowman.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wife, his MOM (Carol Parker) and his siblings.

May we all meet in the Great Beyond some day.

Love, Ruth
Ruth P. Fuss

FAMILY FRIEND FROM ILLINOIS

May 8, 2006

We will be in Washington with honor and respect to hear your name read.

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse

May 6, 2006

To all the Parker friends & family. I have been a police officer in New Jersey for 12 years now. Ten of those years I have been part of a wonderful organization called the Police Unity Tour. Law enforcement officers ride bicycles from NJ to the Washington DC Police memorial. I am one of the original riders and we have raised over a million dollars for the National Law Enforcement Memorial. Every year I ride I purchase a bracelet with a fallen hero & ride in his name. I glance down at it to give me the strength to ride in any weather conditions. This year I chose Trooper Parker and will be riding in his name so he will never be forgotten. I would like to send the family the bracelet when my journey is over. I might see you at the wall in DC and again sorry for your loss. Thank you Ptl.Edward Noonan

Patrolman Edward M. Noonan
Chester Township Police Department

May 5, 2006

Dearest Jon,
Yesterday you were remembered at a memorial service at the Criminal Justice Academy. Seems but such a short time ago we were there celebrating your graduation from Patrol School. How our circumstances have changed... A plaque that bears your name and eow was added to the Wall of Remembrance at the Hall of Fame, another tangible way of ensuring that you will never be forgotten.
Always in my heart,
Ma Brewer

Debbie Brewer, Mother-in-law

May 4, 2006

Lance Corporal Parker you are a hero. Thank you for your service to the State of South Carolina and your fellowman. Rest in peace my brother. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

May 1, 2006

Dear Jonathan,

It is hard to believe that almost a year has gone by since you left us for your heavenly home. Regardless of how much I cried, there was no escape from the shocking realization that I would never see you again on this earth.

But, because He lives, we have the hope of eternal life and look forward to the day when we will be reunited with you, never to be separated again.

I am now looking forward to that day when I will see you again; but, until then, I have the precious memories of you safely stored in my heart and mind that are a true treasure.

I will hold you in my heart forever, my son! It's an honor to be your mother. I love you, Jon.

Love,
Mom
~~~~
Loving you is easy,
I do it every day,
Missing you is a heartache,
That never goes away.

When links of life are broken
And a child has to part
There is nothing that will ever heal
A parent's broken heart....

Loved with a love beyond telling,
Missed with a grief beyond all tears.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

Carol Parker
Mother of Lance Corporal Jonathan W. Parker

April 30, 2006

Trooper Parker and Family,
I have been in law enforcement for just a little over a year and I can't help from being moved by reading what happened to you and reading the loving memorials from your friends and family. Thanks for the ultimate sacrafice you made for keeping us all safe and Thanks to your wife and family for allowing such a brave person serve us. You and your family will always be in my prayers. To the family of Trooper Parker: Please do not hesitate for asking anything of me.

Officer Danny Calvert
Sullivan's Island Police Dept

April 29, 2006

To Lance Corporal Jonathan Wade Parker, his loved ones and his fellow officers:

I wanted to leave this remembrance as your anniversary date is fast approaching. Please know that your memory is revered and honored today.

May your family continue be to comforted by the warm embrace of their law enforcement family, and other police survivors who share this painful journey with them. My heart is with your family and I hope to meet them in D.C.

Reading all the loving reflections left by those who cared for you gives us an understanding of what a good and honorable man you were and of the high esteem with which you are held.

Jon, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Lance Corporal Parker. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Jonathan gave to his community and the citizens of South Carolina, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on May 16, 2005.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 26, 2006

Spring has returned, the season when you were taken from us. I was reminded yet again today that God IS
in all circumstances, both the good and the bad; no matter what happens, He is always good; He is always sovereign; He promises to work things out for the good of those who love Him--the one, the few, the many--, and He ALWAYS keeps His promises. No matter which way the winds of life blow, God is love. In this I trust as did you, and so I look forward to seeing you again, in that place where there is no more pain, no more sorrow, no more tears.
Until then,
Ma Brewer

Debbie Brewer
mother of Susan, Jon's beloved

April 20, 2006

I saw lighting bugs tonight for the first time this spring. It reminded me of the conversation that we had the Saturday before you were killed. It amazes me how vividly I remember things from this time last year. Almost like everything happened yesterday, but I know it didn’t. I cherish the time and the memories that we made together. You may have been taken from me, but you will live on in my heart always.
Loving and honoring you Forever,

Sue
Wife of Trooper Parker

April 7, 2006

It is said that the male Blue Jay brings select food items and twigs to the female he is attempting to woo.

If his attempts are successful, the pair leaves the flock and work together to build a home, then a nest.

The male Blue Jay never strays. Instead, he hovers near by, keeping a watchful eye, always providing for his mate and his hatchlings.

Jon is watching over his beloved.

Pam

March 2, 2006

Jonathan, I still think about you and the sacrafice you made for you state and country. Thank you. I pray often for you wife and family. God Bless BROTHER.

L/Cpl Sisler
SC Highway Patrol

February 17, 2006

Susan~
I know that yesterday was extremely difficult to endure. It is so hard to hear about romance, love and presents when our husbands were so tragically taken from us. Please know that I was thinking about you yesterday, today and always.

Juli Verkler
Widow of Ptlm. Bryan S. Verkler EOW 12/13/03

February 15, 2006

Dearest Jon,

I just wanted you to know you sure are missed! Mom sent me a copy of the South Carolina Trooper magazine and I am having a hard time trying to read the article. I look at your pictures and start crying. I will eventually be able to read it. I sure do miss you my little brother! You're always in my prayers! Love you Jon!

Dee

Dianne Schaffer Jon's sister

January 31, 2006

Jon,
Time keeps passing and one would think that by now I would have accepted this situation, but there are still days when I can’t. Today is one of those days. How badly I wish you would walk through the door and this would all just be a dream. The void I have in my heart is unexplainable. In the jigsaw puzzle of life, I am missing half of the puzzle. Through all of this, I have asked God why this happened and why was it you. I don’t know the answers to it yet, but I pray one day I will.
Last Saturday there were so many birds at our feeders. I stood in the dining room watching them and it reminded me of how we would sit in your chair and watch birds. I met a girl from church who shared with me that she lost her mother. Her mom loved red birds, so she decided that anytime she saw a red bird it would be a reminder of how much God loves her and also of her mom. I decided to do the same, but I picked a blue jay. Last Saturday I said to God that I needed to be reminded that He loved me, and at that very moment a blue jay flew up into the tree. Later in the afternoon, I said to God that I needed to be reminded that you were okay. Again a blue jay flew up. God knew what I needed at that moment, to offer comfort and the assurance that you are with Him. I miss you so much, but I realize now I will never again have to pray for your safety at work, because your work here on earth is done. I love you and miss you.

Susan Parker
Wife of Trooper Parker

January 25, 2006

Another year has begun, different from any new year we have ever known before, because you are not here with us. Missing you--your smile, your droll sense of humor, your unquenchable zeal for living and loving and learning and working.... May those of us left behind love a bit more earnestly, smile a little easier,and work more cheerfully because of the example you left for us.
Love you and miss you.
As ever,
Your favorite mother-in-law

Debbie Brewer
Family

January 18, 2006

My dear Jonathan,

I realize that Christmas will never again be the same without you. Day-to-day life itself will never be the same again without you for any of us.
Remember your "Chistmas Wish Lists"? Last year's was an assortment of reloading equipment stuff--all kinds of weird sounding items that made no sense to me...but, if that's what you really wanted and needed, that's what you'd get! It made me happy to see you happy. Loved that grin of yours, and the way you'd say, "Yep, that's just what I wanted. Thanks, Mom!"
I'll never forget anything about you, Jon, because you will always be my child--forever, you're a part of me; and forever, in the heart of me...
Since I'll always remember you till the day I join you, I want to do more; I want to honor you at this special time of year in some very special ways. The "Honoring List" in your name this year includes donations/gifts to the SPCA, Samaritan's Purse, Shriner's Childrens Hospital, COPS, and the Salvation Army.

I recently read that "honoring our deceased loved one at Christmas helps us to keep them and what we loved about them always in our hearts, and to see and touch the power of life beyond death."

A child that loses a parent is an orphan.
A man who loses his wife is a widower.
A woman who loses her husband is a widow.
But, there is no name for a parent who loses a child, for there is no word to describe this pain.
"When links of life are broken,
And a child has to part,
There is nothing that will ever heal
A parent's broken heart..."

Jon, you are loved by us with a love beyond telling, and missed with a grief beyond all tears. Our tears are our memories, overflowing from our hearts...

Love,
Mom

Carol Parker
Mother of Trooper Jonathan W. Parker

December 21, 2005

Jon,
As the Christmas holiday draws closer, I think back to last Christmas and how perfect everything seemed. I remember us sitting around our monster of a tree opening the gifts we had gotten for each other and the shock on both our faces and the laughter that followed when you opened the European gun design book that I got you. We saw a lot more than we bargained for. Those were good times; I just wish we could have had many more together. I miss you so much that it physically hurts sometimes. Some days I am stronger than others and then there are days like today where my heart just aches for you. I still don’t understand why this happened to you and don’t know that I ever will. I just hope that the people who know us and even those who don’t will realize how precious life is, because we planned on being with each other until we were old and gray. I know God had other plans for us, but the time I was with you was more than I could have ever asked for. You were my husband and best friend and I love you so very much. I miss you so, but know someday...I will see you again.
Loving you always,
Sue

Sue
Wife of L/CPL JW Parker

December 19, 2005

You, like my brother-in-law, were far too young to go. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this holiday season.

Shawn and Michelle Rogers
Sgt.Jonathan Dragus
EOW 10/20/05

December 17, 2005

We think of you and your family during these holidays, and offer thoughts and prayers as you celebrate without your loved one. Cherish the memories of the past and be open to new ones with your loved ones and friends. Your loved one will never be forgotten and always honored for their sacrifice.

Alissa Scott
Widow of Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-03

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network
www.survivorhelpnetwork.org

November 29, 2005

Jon, today is Thanksgiving and even though you are not here, rest easy and know we are all thinking of you. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of you, sometimes its all day and other times it may be briefly when I see or do something that reminds me of you. Its been over six months and everytime I see your picture on this site it breaks my heart, it still doesn't seem real. Happy Thanksgiving Jon.

L/Cpl T.L. Cannaday
SC Highway Patrol

November 24, 2005

Jon,
It has been six months today since you were taken from us. My heart hurts every day when I think about this, but it hurts so much more today. I wish I could undo this and bring you back home, but I can't. I know I will see you again someday, but the time here without you is so hard sometimes. I am trying, though. Every morning I think of you when I am out walking and I look up and see all the colors of the early morning sky. I know that it was you who taught me to have a greater appreciation for things like that. Always know how much I love you and how proud I am of you.
Forever in my heart,
Sue

Sue Wife of Trooper Parker

November 16, 2005

Oh, Jon,
How we miss you so. Nevertheless, we are thankful to know that you are with our Lord in heaven, and thanks be to God, we who also believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, will one day be reunited with you, and with my Dad (I know you two are having a heavenly time together). As the Christmas season approaches, we are going to miss you even more, but we are going to strive to keep our hearts and minds focused on the Christ of Christmas and the hope of heaven that He brought for all of us.
Love,
Your favorite Ma-in-law

Debbie Brewer, Mother-in-law
family

November 10, 2005

Susan~
I met you for the first time at the Spouse's Retreat in September. After you stood up and said something about your husband, I could definitely see that some of my own pain and yours is very similar. I asked Molly about you and then she introduced us. We were the only 2 widows out of about 90 that were not granted the gift of children with our husbands. Although the road of grief is so sad and heart-wrenching, please know that you never have to walk the road alone. I wanted to post a reflection because you have been on my mind this week. (I tried your email after we got back from the retreat but it didn't go through for some reason.) You have my info, please contact me anytime. I look forward to seeing you again and to meet Jon's family at National Police Week, which I know will be so close to his EOW marker. I am sure that Jon is so very proud of you for continuing to uphold his honor. You uphold it every day just by carrying on with your life.
God Bless,

Juli Verkler
Widow of Ptlm. Bryan S. Verkler EOW 12/13/03

November 1, 2005

John,
There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of your last day and our last conversation. I continue to pray for all of your family and I will never forget you brother.You are a true hero.
Greg

S/Trp G A Griggs
SCHP

October 24, 2005