South Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina
End of Watch Monday, May 16, 2005
Reflections for Lance Corporal Jonathan Wade Parker
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
May 16, 2005
I just read the memorial for Trooper Jonathan W. Parker. It saddens me to hear of such a senseless act. I would like for the family, friends and co-workers to know that there are folks across this country that care very deeply and will pray for their peace and comfort.
I thank the Almighty for men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow man.
After nearly 30 years of service in law enforcement I know it is only by the grace of God that I sit here today.
May God pour out His endless blessings and love upon those close to Trooper Parker. He will always be remembered as true hero.
Patrolman Doug Hutchison
Irving Police Department, Texas, retired.
May 16, 2005
On behalf of the men and women of this department, our deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Trooper Jonathan W. Parker. Rest in peace brother. We now have the watch. May God be with your family.
PBA
Town of Camillus Police Department, NY
May 16, 2005
MY BROTHER WATCH OVER US THAT ARE LEFT BEHIND TO FINISH THE SHIFT. I'AM SORRY I WAS UNABLE TO GET THRU THE FLAME. REST IN PEACE TROOPER
INV. RUDY TISDALE
CLARENDON S.O.
May 16, 2005
BROTHER, WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU! YOU ARE A TRUE WARRIOR TO ALL OF US. MAY THE LORD BLESS AND WATCH OVER YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
DEPUTY FUERRERO
SANGAMON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE - ILLINOIS
May 16, 2005
My prayers are with the Family, Friends and fellow officers of Trooper Parker. May God look after all of us.
Officer Jeremy Benjamin
Jeremy Benjamin
Easley Police Department, SC
May 16, 2005
Rest in Peace Brother. We are grateful for your service, faithfulness and dedication to duty and are proud to call you Brother. Be assured your loved ones are never alone for we are but a phone call away.
Bob Johnson VA-VI
Bob Johnson U.S. Marshal's (Ret'd)
Blue Knights International Police Assn.
May 16, 2005
May God bless your family at this time. Your service is appreciated and you will not be forgotten.
5/16/05
SPD Retired
May 16, 2005
Our thoughts are with this hero and his courageous family...None of you will be forgotten by those of us who wear the badge
OMY/COP/WPD
5/16/05
Olen M. Young Chief of Police
Wauneta PD
May 16, 2005
God Bless you Trooper. My thoughts are with you, your family, and your fellow Troopers.
Sgt.
Florida Highway Patrol
May 16, 2005
At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.
Tonight, May 16, 2005 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Trooper Jonathan W. Parker who died in the line of duty earlier today.
When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.
Trooper Parker's sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC
May 16, 2005
MY BROTHER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND THOSE WHO MOURN YOUR LOSS. WHAT A SENSELESS MURDER. MAY YOU NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, AND YOU NEVER WILL BECAUSE A HERO IS NEVER FORGOTTEN. MY BROTHER, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. NOW MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. MAY YOUR KILLER GET WHAT HE JUSTLY DESERVES.
CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
May 16, 2005
On behalf of the members of the Sutherlin Police Department, I send to you, our heartfelt condolences and prayers in your time of sadness. May your fallen officer’s legacy live on in the memories of his friends and family. Rest now brother, after a job well done. We’ll take it from here.
Corporal Justin Marquis
Sutherlin Police Department, Sutherlin, OR
May 16, 2005
The SCHP was lost a great trooper today. Jonathan was a super nice guy and I am glad to have known him and worked with him. God bless you brother.
L/CPL K.P. Bazen
South Carolina Highway Patrol
May 16, 2005
My heart and prayers are with the wife, family, friends and coworkers of Trooper Parker. God bless you all. Trooper Parker, thank you for a job well done and you will not be forgotten.
Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
May 16, 2005
God speed to you sir. Thank you for your service. My prayers are with your family, friends, and co-workers. I know you are in a much better place. We'll take the watch from here.
Deputy
Lexington County Sheriff's Dept.
May 16, 2005
Rest in peace Trooper, we have the watch now. Your service will not be forgotten.
Trooper
FHP
May 16, 2005
God bless and rest in peace .Thanks for your service Trooper Parker.
Officer J.Schenk
Lockport park Dist. police
May 16, 2005
Rest in peace Trooper Parker.
mtp
May 16, 2005
Troop,
Thank you for your service. You will NEVER be forgotten.
May God give your family strength and courage as they face tough days. May He hold them close to Him when they need help. Your family in Law Enforcement will never leave them.
God Speed Brother....Until we have our roll call with the "Big Guy" watch over us as we continue your work here.
SGT Phil Abdoo
Macomb County Sheriff's Office
May 16, 2005
Sometimes we ask why things must be. God in his great widsom has made it beyond our powers to see. Looking back in tenderness, looking back in tears. Cherish the years we had with John and leave the rest to God.
Corporal Albert Mobley
South Carolina Highway Patrol
May 16, 2005
My deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Trooper Parker. R.I.P. You are in my prayers.
Mike J.
Surprise, Arizona
May 16, 2005
RIP, THANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT DEADS TO MAKE YOUR STATE A SAFER PLACE TO LIVE
May 16, 2005
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