Recognizing the Service of Police Chief Steven Parker

Floor Speech

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Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Steven Parker, a beloved community leader and Police Chief of the Tega Cay Police Department.

Chief Parker has dedicated nearly three decades of his life to protecting communities throughout North and South Carolina. He began his law enforcement career at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office twenty-eight years ago. In 1995, he transferred to the Rock Hill Police Department where he served in various divisions, including: Training, Investigations, Patrol, Traffic, K-9, and Narcotics. Throughout his twenty years of unparalleled service at the Rock Hill Police Department, the agency received numerous accolades and recognitions, including CALEA National Honors, AAA Outstanding Traffic Safety Community Award, and the SWAT South East National Championships. Chief Parker's time at the Rock Hill Police Department ended with him commanding over 150 employees as Major over Field Services.

In 2015, Chief Parker became the Police Chief of the Tega Cay Police Department. Under his leadership, the Tega Cay Police Department attained South Carolina Accreditation status for the first time in its history. The City of Tega Cay was also ranked ``The Top 3 Safest City'' in South Carolina for seven years in a row and ``The 64th Safest City'' in the United States, all while growing at a rapid pace. Chief Parker also managed the design and construction of a new state of the art police station while serving and protecting over 12,000 citizens.

Throughout Chief Parker's tenure as Police Chief of the Tega Cay Police Department, he emphasized the importance of building trust and community relationships. Leading by example, Chief Parker and the rest of the Tega Cay Police Department support the Special Olympics each year by organizing an annual Torch Run, Donut Eating Contest, and Polar Plunge.

The career of Chief Parker is a testament to all the good our men and women in blue do for our communities. A true servant-leader, he leaves behind a legacy of progress and success. On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, I thank Chief Parker for his service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Tega Cay has truly been blessed to have him as a community guardian for the past seven years.

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