[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 184 (Wednesday, October 20, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF POLICE CHIEF STEVEN PARKER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH NORMAN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 20, 2021

  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.

                          ____________________