Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I've lived in Stockton since January 1981. I never knew Art Parga but I remember the funeral from newspapers articles and television. Another senseless tragedy I thought. Officers often take a lot of abuse for overreacting and for being heavy handed with the public. Perhaps that's true in some cases. The public however can never understand the nature of the job; the mental toughness required, the stress, and the dangers. Today, a badge and uniform almost make one a target for any crazy with a gun. Having worn a uniform and badge for a short time (long enough to know I wasn't cut out for the work), I have since gone out of my way to give line officers every benefit of doubt. Smile and wave at the officers you see. If you meet one talk a bit and say that you care. These people need all the positive feedback they can get.

former police and correction officer
N Wildwood PD/NJ State Corrections

April 26, 2012

I just discovered this website. Not only do I think about Art but Lisa I think about you and the kids always. Lisa we were working together when Art was taking from you; you were a very strong woman and I know you still are. I would love to be back in contact with you.

Margo Dofflemyer
Friend

April 18, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Parga. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 22, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 19th 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.

Time never dimishes respect and you will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. .

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 22, 2012

I worked with Art when he was with the Sheriff's Office in Santa Cruz in the 1980's. He was a tireless law enforcement officer, a fine investigator, and a genuinely good man who everyone liked and respected. I still think of him from time to time, and wish the best for his family.

Retired Deputy Barry Wallace
Santa Cruz Co. Sheriff

July 7, 2011

My uncle Art, there isn't much to say about him that hasn't been said already. As a child I remember Art as a very tall guy who was always smiling, just like his daughter Alina. I don't remember a lot about Art however stories I have heard from family members (mom, aunts and grandparents) I know he was special. My grandmother loved Art and spoke very highly of him, everyone did. I only hope to grow and be just like my uncle Art, strong, good willed, loving and a hard worker. There isn't a day that doesn't go by that he isn't in our thoughts and after 18 years his name still brings smiles to our faces.

Andrew Perez
Nephew

April 22, 2011

Art was a great person, one of the nicest most generous persons i ever knew. i miss him & i think about him a lot. he was loved by every one & he loved every one. i still remember when we would have family gatherings at my tia Lupes(RIP) house like if it were yesterday. he was always brought coronas, i was to young to drink then. He was a big 49er fan. he is the reason why i never give any officer a bad time, the reason why i respect them. To my Prima Lisa, A.J & Alina... I LOVE U GUYS

Fabian Centeno
cousin

February 5, 2010

Though we never met, I was good friends and coworkers with George and Danny Parga. I attended your funeral in Merced and burial in LeGrand. Art, I retired after (13) years with Turlock P.D. with (6) years undercover narcotics, Your heroism will never be forgotten. You were an inspiration to many of us in your field. May you always rest in peace and may God bless your soul.

Roy Fisher Detective-Retired
Turlock Police Dept.

September 19, 2009

I was the case agent conducting the investigation leading up to the search warrant served by Stockton PD SWAT on Pemberton Ct. that early morning of Jan. 22. I cannot express in words the deep brokenness I felt over the tragic death of Art. I recall prior to my briefing of the SWAT team that night how the members of the team were joking and having a blast - not knowing that in a few moments they would lose one of their own. It saddens me every time I think about the events of that morning. I pray that every member of the team on that day is well and never forgets their honorable actions.
To the Parga family, Although I have never met you, I want you to know that Art and his comrades are heroes. They put their lives on the line for the members of LPD Narcotis and Cracnet. Art gave the ultimate sacrifice in laying down his life for us. I can assure you that if SPD SWAT had not stepped up and served that warrant who knows how many cops would have died that morning. Art, thank you. You will never be forgotten....you likely saved my life and the lives of others that morning. May you stand in God's glory forever. My constant prayers for the Parga family. I am sorry for what you have had to endure. May God hold you and protect you throughout your lives.

Corp. Henry Guerra (Ret.)
Lodi Police Department

August 14, 2009

Thank you for your service. You have not been forgotten.

Detective
San Mateo County Sheriff

January 22, 2009

My Dad was a posative influence to everyone that knew him and still is to many today. He is missed by me as well as so many others. I would love to hear more about him and appreciate everyones reflections.

Arthur Parga II
21 years old
UOP, Stockton, CA

Art Parga II
son

October 18, 2008

I was only one years old when Art died. I don't remember him much but i remember his son AJ. my dad was friends with Art.

----You will be missed----

Cody Eigenberger
former neighbor

April 16, 2008

Officer Parga, thank you for your service and dedication. Continue to watch over your family giving them the love, guidance and support they need. Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

February 20, 2008

For the men and women serving in a Combined Rural & City Narcotic Enforcement Team CRACNET) unit, there is always the potential for extreme violence.

Officer Parga, may Your Soul Rest-In-Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

January 22, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

January 16, 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

September 20, 2007

My name is Alina Parga and I am the daughter of Arthur.I want to say thank you to everybody that left a reflection, it is nice here all this nice information about my father.Thank You again.

I love you dad.

Alina Parga

August 25, 2007

God bless you brother.

DFC. Daniel O'Donnell
Orange County Sheriff's Office (FL)

July 26, 2007

I never met Officer Parga, but I have had the pleasure of getting to know his family pretty well. His wife is a amazing lady and an even better mom and does as much as she can for her kids, and has come a long way since 1993. His son A.J. has grown into a amazing young man and I'm sure he is proud of him, and although he was never able to meet his daughter I am sure he loved her very much.God Bless you Officer Parga.

June 28, 2007

Fourteen years later, but still remembered and honored.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEOs

January 9, 2007

I recently discovered this site after a local officer (Deputy Jeff Mitchell -Sacramento Sheriffs Department-) was killed in the line of duty.

I met Art when he was a "rookie" with the Santa Cruz Sherrifs dept. My dad Harvey was his training officer. I knew immediately Art would become special to my family, because he was the first trainee my dad brought home for dinner. Art reminded me of a younger version of my dad. He was strong, athletic and had the biggest smile you ever saw.

Through the years my family spent a lot of time with Art and his beautiful wife Lisa and little boy AJ. We would travel througout the state for softball tournaments. Art was a tremendous athlete.

I remember being upset when I heard Art was going to move to Stockton. But Art being the great husband and father he was wanted to buy a home for his family and couldnt afford the outrageous prices in Santa Cruz. It was no surprise to anyone that he was excelling with Stockton Pd. Art was a rising star.

I was away at college when I learned of Arts death. It was so tragic and surreal. I remember his funeral like it was yesterday.

Art, I think of you often and miss you. I can't believe it has been 13 years since your death. I am also in law enforcement now and work on a street team doing warrant searches. I am about the same age as you were when you were taken and have a son that is 5 years old (KJ). It saddens me so much to know that you were taken in the prime of your life.

Art, I know you are looking down on us and already know, but your little boy AJ turned out to be a fine young man, athletic and strong like his daddy and your daughter is beatiful like mommy and daddy.

Art rest in peace and I will see you again one day.

Deputy Probation Officer Kevin Flores
Sacramento County Probation Department

November 3, 2006

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

October 3, 2006

My father and Art worked together for the Santa Cruz Sheriff's Dept. I remember going to their softball and basketball games as a little kid. One night after a game I told Art that I learned we are all mammals. From that day forward Art called me "Samuel the Mammal".

My family and Art's family would go on to spend many years together. I played Nintendo with his son for hours at a time. I always looked forward to the Parga's coming over for a BBQ. It was so much fun.

I still remember the phone ringing on that early January morning. I was only 12 yrs old. My mom immediately started crying and my father was trying to comfort her. The next couple of days we were traveling. When we drove to the funeral I saw an endless line of Police cars. It was like I was in a dream. I will never forget that day.

For as long as I can remember I knew that I wanted to work in Law Enforcement. Arthur Parga has been a great inspiration to me.

I miss you Art. You are my hero!

Deputy Sam Flores
Sacramento County Sheriff

August 22, 2006

My husband and I lived next door to Art and his beautiful wife Lisa, when his life was taken. I can still recall the moment of shock upon hearing an officer was killed, telling myself that it could not be Art, and then arriving at my home to find lots of police cars in front of their home, and mine as well.

I can't say anything about Art, the officer, but I can say that Art the man was a good man. He and his wife doted on their son, and was looking forward to the birth of his second child. My son was born in March 1992, and we looked forward to our kids playing together. Art was a wonderful man and we adored his wife as well.

She was so strong for her son and for her soon to be born child. I have never met another woman that I have admired as much as Lisa. She knew that it was unfair that she lost Art, but she chose to keep her suffering private, and away from newspaper articles and television reports.

She moved away a year after Art died, and I moved to another state, but we still think of her and pray that she is doing well. Knowing Lisa, I am sure that she has been the best mother possible and an example to her children.

Lynda Eigenberger
former neighbor

July 20, 2006

Having just found this site I wanted to add my reflections. I worked with Art at Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office in both patrol and Investigations. Art was an outstanding Deputy who had a great talent for solving crimes. I was proud of him, and knew he would be a great police officer where ever he worked. He was also an outstanding athlete where we shared some great fun playing softball. I loved this man like a brother, and think of him often.

Deputy David Alcorn
Santa Cruz Sheriff

March 13, 2006