Annual Ron Parker Memorial Service January 12th

Brenda Parker, the widow of fallen Deputy Beach Marshal Ron Parker, reminds Historic City News readers that Tuesday, January 12, 2016, marks the 41st annual ceremony to commemorate his service to the citizens of St Augustine Beach and St Johns County.

Former St Augustine Beach Police Chief Arnold M Bandy will also be honored for his contributions to the Ron Parker Memorial during his life.

“As you know, the community looks forward to this annual service that also honors St Johns County’s fallen officers, those retired, as well as those currently serving in law enforcement,” Parker wrote to Historic City News. “January is Law Enforcement Appreciation Month and I cannot think of a better way to show our local police officers and sheriff’s deputies that you appreciate them.”

Detective Matthew Hanlin with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office will be the guest speaker this year. Hanlin was the National Sheriff’s Association’s 2012 Officer of the Year.

The brief service will be held at Ron Parker Memorial Park on Pope Road in St Augustine Beach beginning at 11:30 a.m. Deputy Beach Marshal Ronald A Parker was killed in the line of duty at St Augustine Beach on January 12th, 1975. His killer, Thomas DeSherlia, also wanted by authorities in Alabama for two unrelated murders and Iowa in connection with a bank robbery, died in Florida State Prison on October 7, 2013.