Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

What an absolute tragedy! Godspeed Officer Parker!

Police Officer Ron Bates (ret), I'm so sorry you had to live through all that! For an employer to make an example of you when you gave everything for that employer, and the city of Los Angeles is criminal as far as I'm concerned. I pray you've lived a safe, happy, and fulfilled life since then. There is a special place for people like you and your partner. I pray you two get to get together again sometime in the future so you can again enjoy each other's company. I also pray middle and upper command at LAPD and every police department gets to see your story and make changes. Changes that include treating officers with dignity, respect, and support, that went thru anything like you did. You had one of the toughest jobs there is and most people have no idea. I can safely say I don't know either! But, I know it's very tough.

Adam Schwartz
Just a grateful citizen!

August 26, 2021

It is time. In the past year I have had contact with Mary and Tresa, Michael's wife and daughter and finally had my cry. It was long overdue. I was the driver and lost the best partner and a friend I ever had including my 12 years as an active duty MP. Michael had also been an MP and as the saying goes, we played from the same sheet of music. It was not always the tune played by LAPD but our own. For years I didn't remember much of the accident. There is a term for that, maybe selective memory but over time it has returned or I have heard the story so many times the images are implanted. I received a suspension and was told the dept wanted to make an example of me to discourage others. The new Mercury that had, for among other reasons, been purchased with a big engine to enable officers to end pursuits quicker was parked at the driver training course for new recruits to see was never purchased again. I miss Michael, make no mistake. I don't beat myself up over his death. We were doing what we thought was the right decision. I think my emotional salvation came from my conversation with Mary after the funeral when she did not berate me but told me how much Michael enjoyed working with me

Ron Bates ret Police Officer
LAPD

August 8, 2021

Thank you for your service and rest in peace always knowing that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 18, 2020

Rest in peace Policeman Parker.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 22, 2019

I've passed through the intersection numerous times and I think of the tragic event that led to your passing. Thank you for your service to the residents of Rampart Division, LA City and LA County. RIP.

Deputy Sheriff LASD

August 18, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson(Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

August 18, 2018

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 43rd anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 26, 2013

Rest in peace Policeman

P2 Koren, Brian
LAPD

August 17, 2012

Rest in Peace, Policeman Parker. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 14, 2012

The 40th year anniversary of the incident is coming up. I wanted to say that you are remembered. Alot of new Officers have come to Rampart over the years and pass by your photo. I attempt to let as many as I can know about you and the incident that occured that day. Rest in Peace.

Police Officer Brian Koren
LAPD

August 8, 2010

Policeman Parker - Like Brian Koren says, yours is the lone LODD portrait which hangs in the Rampart lobby. Thank you for your service to the people of Los Angles. May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

April 14, 2010

"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 1, 2007

We are the LAPD ! We do not leave any Men or Women behind, and we do not forget any LAPD Brother or Sister, who may have fallen in the line – of – duty.

If I had a quarter for everytime somebody at LAPD, called me "Michael Parker," I could possibly buy a new car.

PM Parker:

May You Rest - In - Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

August 18, 2007

Policeman Parker was assigned to Rampart Div. Where I currently work and have been here for 11 years. I was talking to an another Policeman prior to his retirement (Ed Gomez) several years ago, who told me the story about August 18, 1970. Michael parker was passenger officer that day. He and his partner were secondary unit in a pursuit of a possible c-37 veh,(stolen Veh). In this case it was a possible stolen motorcycle. Unsure if they were traveling east bound or west bound on sunset Bl at mohawk st. The driver officer of the secondary unit attempted to overtake the primary unit. The Police veh lost control and T/C'd into a large palmtree. Officer Parker was ejected from the veh and passed away from his injuries at scene. The motorcycle ended up not being stolen. Unsure why the driver ran. The driver Officer had to be transfered to another divison. Policeman Parker is the only officer to be killed in the line of duty assigned to Rampart since its opening Aug/1966 as of this posting date. Policeman Michael Parker, rest in peace. Died while protecting the castle.

Police Officer Brian Koren
LAPD

July 8, 2007

Rest in Peace Brother, May God Bless you and your family.

Patrolman

March 16, 2007

We never met, but we share a name and a profession. Therefore, we are brothers. May God bless those you left behind.

Sgt. Michael Parker
Mesquite, Tx. Police Dept.

June 11, 2006

No one who gives his life in the line of duty is ever forgotten.
Thank you Policeman Parker. Rest in peace.

Anonymous

October 14, 2003