Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Lance Corporal Jonathan Wade Parker

South Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina

End of Watch Monday, May 16, 2005

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Reflections for Lance Corporal Jonathan Wade Parker

To the Parkers' family:

I didn't personally know Mr.Parker. I believe he was a hard working man with high expections of the citizens in his Sumter community, and would go above and beyond for everyone he came in contact with.

On the morning of May 12, 2001 Mr.Parker pulled me over for speeding.(60 mph in 55 mph zone) I was on my way to my wedding. I was already a nervous wreck, and I could not find my wallet for my drivers license and insurance card. I can remember this like it was yesterday, he kept telling me I was going to be OK. Finally, I remembered my wallet was in the trunk of my car. Well to make a long story short - He wrote me a warning ticket and in big bold letters across the top of the ticket he wrote "CONGRADUTIONS!". I still have that ticket in a chest with the rest of my wedding "stuff".

However and never the less, my thoughts and prays are with him and his entire family. May god bless you and goodnight - Mr.Parker.

June 18, 2005

"Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal". Hoping you find comfort in those words,.. I pray for your hearts to be healed.

Deputy V.T. Robinson
Clayton County Sheriff's Office(Ga)/ Former Telecommuncicator Mt. Plea

June 16, 2005

Today marks one month since the end of your watch, four weeks since we first stood by your graveside. Everytime I see a law enforcement vehicle, be it police, sheriff, or highway patrol, I breathe a prayer for the safety of the person in that vehicle. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

Debbie Brewer
mother of Susan, Jon's widow

June 16, 2005

The policeman stood and faced his God, which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning just as brightly as his brass.
"Step foward 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 gues I ain't. Because those of us who carry badges, can't always be a saint."
I've had to work most Sundays and at time my talk was rough... and sometimes I've been violent because the strees are awful 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 to step."
"And I never passed a cry for help, though at time I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I wept unmanly tears."
"I know I don't deserve a place mong the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear."
"If you have a place for me here, Lord it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had to 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 judgment of his God.
"Step foward now, policeman. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk the beat on Heavens strees. You've done your time in hell."

L/Cpl. C. K. McLendon
Horry County Plice Dept.

June 11, 2005

We were so impressed and totally blown away with the response from so many people, and the love that exudes from officers, officers families, and from people who didn't even know Jon. Our love and prayers go out to Susan,her family and Jon's parents and family.
Our thanks to Patty McRoy (Susan's aunt) for keeping us informed.
We love you all and may God bless you
and keep you in the hollow of His hands. Jon, rest in peace.

Your great aunt Georgie & Uncle Bob


June 11, 2005

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 Jonathan did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Jonathan be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Trooper Parker's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through these tough times, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just 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", please accept my condolences on behalf of myself and the McElderry family. I never got the opportunity to know Jonathan but, I am certain Jonathan was well respected and well loved. He will live on in the hearts of all the lives he touched. You were lucky to have had him be a part of your lives. I am know that Jonathan will continue to watch over us all as only he can.

Thank you Trooper Parker 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.

Wishing you brighter and better days,

Jocelyne

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

June 11, 2005

May God Bless and comfort the Parker family as well as friends. I will continue to pray for all of you.

We remember the officers who changed our lives, the men and women who protect us day and night, people who respect for their dedication to the cause, for when faced with danger, they never even pause. We remember the officers who always stood true, whatever the color of uniform, brown, gray, or blue, with pride and integrity they say "to serve and protect," For giving of their life, we offer our respect. We remember the officers who we never really knew, persons strong enough to answer the challenge are few, with heavy hearts we mourn the officers in eternal rest, there's more to these people than the badge on their chest.
Poem wrtitten by:
-Brad Miller-

Rest in Peace Jonathan.

Tammy Atkinson

June 10, 2005

My brother Jon, I am so sad that I never got to meet you, but I am so happy that I found you. You are in my thoughts every day and I know that one day, we will meet in heaven. God bless you and our entire family

your sister, Lori

June 8, 2005

Jonathan,
I thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. I pray that everyone that loved you will find peace and happiness at the end of this long journey they have begun. Though nothing will ease the pain of your death, I pray that the person responsible will receive ultimate justice. Find Brandy in heaven and cruise the great highway once with him. Tell him we miss him more than anything here on earth and we'll see you on the other side someday.

Sara Winfield
Wife of Brandy EOW 10/14/04

June 8, 2005

Uncle Jon,

I am sorry we were not closer. It is a terrible thing that it sometimes takes an event like this causes a person to finally realize what a great person someone was. I miss you and love you; I know we will see each other again in heaven. Thank you for you service and for paying the ultimate sacrifice to keep the community safer.

Love Always,

Kim

P.S. Do your niece a favor and watch over Dave while his is in Iraq this year; I’ll feel better if I know your wings of protection are wrapped around him, thanks.

Kim
Jon's nicec and Army Wife

June 7, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, from your brothers in Tennessee.

Sgt. D.W. Talley
Tennessee Highway Patrol

June 7, 2005

May God Bless the family of Trooper Parker!

June 5, 2005

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father's house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."
John 14:1-2

To the family of Trooper Jonathan Parker:
I know that no words can heal the pain you are enduring. I just pray that each of you find comfort in God's promise to see him again one day soon. Rest assured knowing that he is in the hand's of God...and in a much better place.
My deepest heartfelt prayers are with you everyday! May God bless each one of you!!

"There are special people in our lives who never leave us-- even after they are gone."

Holly Branson
Girlfriend of S/Trp. J.H. Lane (SCHP)

June 5, 2005

Dearest Jon,
Thank you for loving our precious daughter Susan, who misses you so very much. We are comforted to know that one day you and she will be reunited in heaven, but for now, she is mightily homesick for you. We are doing our best to take care of her, but we can never, never take your place in her heart or life. Rest easy, dear one. We love you and miss you. There's a vacant place now in our family and in our hearts. Until we meet again at Jesus' feet, I remain, Your loving mother-in-law.

Debbie Brewer

June 5, 2005

I have continued to pray for you, your family, your friends, and the Highway Patrol of SC. The FPD Explorers are behind you and your family, and you are never forgotten!

Sgt. Brandon Grove
Florence Police Explorers, SC

June 5, 2005

Rest in peace brother. Your watch is done. May God bless your family, friends and partners.

TRP. GARY SANDERS
OKLAHOMA HIGHWAY PATROL

June 5, 2005

As I read and re-read the reflections of everyone regarding my dear son, Jonathan, I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support. These pages have been yet another source of comfort. Thank you one and all, and God Bless and protect all of you!

Carol Parker (Jon's Mother)

June 4, 2005

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of South Carolina Highway Patrol. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Trooper Parker deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. No greater love has a person than the will to give their life for another. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Trooper Parker is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.

Tom

June 3, 2005

Godspeed Trooper! Let's hope this individual never see's the sunlight again.

Mark Holthaus
Washington State Patrol

June 1, 2005

God bless you Trooper. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Captain Scott Wright
Mount Holly Police Department

June 1, 2005

Thank you for your service. No words can express the grief your family feels, but they can seek some comfort knowing that the law enforcement community nationwide is grieving with them.

law enforcement officer
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

June 1, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Fallen but never forgotten.

Bryan Laurie son of fallen Officer
Nathan Laurie EOW 7-29-04

May 31, 2005

I am so sorry to hear of the families loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Thought it will be tough and sometimes you will wonder how, but you will survive. It's been a year and a half since I lost my brother GA State Trooper Tony Lumley and my mom,dad and myself miss him terribly everyday. The support from our State as well as other state agencies have made this survival possible. Though you will never forget you will learn to cope. Best wishes for this officers family and may he rest in peace.

Tim Lumley

May 31, 2005

Gone but not forgotten. Rest in peace.

Dispatcher Sue Rusch #429
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL

May 30, 2005

Thank you for your service.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

May 29, 2005

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