What:
Wreath Laying Ceremony
To Honor the Late Chief, William H. Parker

When:
Monday, July 16, 2001
1:00 P.M.

Where:
In front of Parker Center
150 N. Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles, 90012.

Los Angeles - On July 16, 2001, at 1:00 p.m., the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), along with the William H. Parker Foundation, will have a wreath laying ceremony commemorating the 35^th anniversary of Chief William H. Parker’s death. The event will take place in front of Parker Center, located at 150 North Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles. Current Chief of Police, Bernard C. Parks, stated, "This milestone anniversary should not go unnoticed. This is an opportunity for us as a community to remember the noteworthy contributions of Chief Parker to the LAPD."

William H. Parker joined the LAPD on August 8, 1927. After serving 15 years with the Department, Captain Parker took a leave of absence to serve his country in Word War II. He received the Silver Star in France, and the Italian Star in Sardinia. Other awards included the European Campaign Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, and the Occupation Service Medal. In addition, he was awarded The Purple Heart for being wounded during the Normandy Invasion.

After the war, Captain Parker returned to the Department where he rapidly ascended through the ranks. He was appointed Chief of Police on August 9, 1950, and served as such until July 16, 1966, when he died as a result of a heart attack. Chief Parker is credited with bringing the LAPD to the forefront, as a world renown law enforcement agency.

Attending the event will be Chief Bernard Parks and Mr. Joseph Parker, the brother of Chief William Parker. At the conclusion of the ceremony items belonging to Chief Parker will be on display.

For further information please contact Dawn Danko, Public Affairs Unit, at 213 485-3281.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Eduardo Funes, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.