H 4653  Resolution, By Bryant, Felder, King, Ligon, D.C.Moss, V.S.Moss, B.Newton, 
Pope and Simrill
 A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE CHIEF OF POLICE STEVE PARKER UPON THE
 OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE TEGA CAY POLICE DEPARTMENT, TO THANK HIM
 FOR NEARLY THREE DECADES OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE STATE OF SOUTH
 CAROLINA, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE
 ENDEAVORS.

   12/06/21  House  Introduced and adopted (House Journal-page 2)

TO CONGRATULATE CHIEF OF POLICE STEVE PARKER UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE TEGA CAY POLICE DEPARTMENT, TO THANK HIM FOR NEARLY THREE DECADES OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, since 2015, the City of Tega Cay has enjoyed the benefit of the dedication, experience, and leadership of Chief of Police Steve Parker, who soon will retire as a law enforcement officer after almost three decades of distinguished service in communities across the Upstate; and

Whereas, twenty-eight years ago, Chief Parker began his law enforcement career at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office. In 1995, he transferred to the Rock Hill Police Department, where he remained for two decades, serving in various divisions, including training, investigations, patrol, traffic, SWAT, K9, and narcotics. At the end of his tenure with the Rock Hill Police Department, he was in direct command of more than one hundred and fifty employees as major over field services; and

Whereas, while with the Rock Hill Police Department, he commanded the largest gang arrest in York County history. Named "Operation Street Sweep," nineteen gang members were arrested and convicted on charges ranging from murder to drug sales, which resulted in a large reduction in violent crime within York County. In addition, during his tenure with the Rock Hill Police Department, the agency received CALEA Flagship National Honors as well as the AAA Outstanding Traffic Safety Community Award on four occasions and the SWAT South East National Championship on five occasions; and

Whereas, in the seven years that Steve Parker has served as Chief of the Tega Cay Police Department, he has undertaken and completed several major projects. In 2016, under Chief Parker's guidance, the Tega Cay Police Department attained South Carolina Accreditation status for the first time in its history. In 2018-2019, he managed the design and construction of a new four million dollar state-of-the-art police station; and

Whereas, during Chief Parker's tenure of command, the City of Tega Cay has been ranked consistently as one of the top safest cities in South Carolina by the National Council for Home Safety and Security. In 2017, Tega Cay was ranked the safest city in South Carolina. Notwithstanding the accolades and other accomplishments, Chief Parker takes pride especially in the department's work in and relationship with the Tega Cay community; and

Whereas, supported by his family in all his endeavors, Steve Parker has been married to his wife, Chris, for twenty-nine years. Together they have two children; a daughter, Allison, who is attending Clemson University; and a son, Alex, who is a member of the Marine Reserves, a Citadel Graduate, and who has just joined the ranks of York County Sheriff's Office to serve the community as a deputy sheriff; and

Whereas, the House of Representatives, grateful for the legacy of consistent commitment and excellence Chief Parker has bestowed on the people of South Carolina, takes great pleasure in wishing him well as he enters retirement and trusts he will find much enjoyment in the more leisurely pace of the days ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate Chief of Police Steve Parker upon the occasion of his retirement from the Tega Cay Police Department, thank him for nearly three decades of outstanding service to the State of South Carolina, and wish him continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Tega Cay Chief of Police Steve Parker.