Daily Press News Editor
MONTROSE — Mourners filled the Montrose Christian Church Tuesday to say goodbye to an officer and a friend.
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Parker’s “Uncle Mike” Collier remembered her as the daughter he never had.
“I was as proud of her as if she had been my own daughter. I’m proud of her now and I always will be,” he said, telling the sanctuary packed with men and women in uniform from as far away as Cortez of her giving nature.
“She didn’t want to burden anybody; she never wanted to impose,” he said.
Collier taught the already athletic Parker how to fly fish, but he wasn’t the only person who thought of Parker as a daughter.
George Henderson, who knew her for 12 years while she attended Grand Junction Central High School, recalled that she always seemed suited for a career in law enforcement and said he’d been honored to write her letter of recommendation.
And a former boss said: “She must have had a lot of dads. She was like a daughter to me.”
The man also recalled how Parker would be glued to the window every time sirens rang out. “She’d have goose bumps. ...She loved the prospect of getting into law enforcement.”
Parker served on the Montrose Police Department for three years and was a certified drug recognition expert — the first female officer with that qualification in the department’s history. A dog-lover, Parker was also credited with planning the funding for a canine unit. She’d previously worked as a volunteer firefighter while attending Mesa State College.
While serving Montrose, Parker helped apprehend two burglars. She was also assaulted in the line of duty last year by an apparently drug-intoxicated subject whose welfare she was trying to check. She recovered quickly from those injuries and her assailant is awaiting sentencing.
“She was special,” Collier said. “Without a doubt, she was the most impressive young officer I’ve seen in my (32-year) career. Any agency would have been proud to have Jamie.”
Parker carried her strong academic background to the job. “She’s the only cop I ever knew who enjoyed reading the Colorado Revised Statutes,” Collier said, provoking laughter, before telling of her poise, courage and leadership.
“In spite of her personal courage, she could be easily hurt,” he added. “When someone young dies, we tend to say ‘What a waste.’ Jamie’s life was not a waste. That’s slander. She accomplished more in her life than others do in a lifetime.”
Collier said that though a part of him died Jan. 29, he would live his life so as not to dishonor Parker.
“I wouldn’t trade the last three years for anything,” he said.
Her former boss also remembered how Parker stepped up to help him coach a boys’ soccer team.
“She taught those boys so much. She loved helping. Joyce (Parker), you raised a heck of a daughter. She was remarkable.”
Greg Bak, who addressed mourners on behalf of Parker’s mother, Joyce and brother, Robert, said he regarded her as his sister.
“Jamie could not resist a challenge,” he said, remembering her as a champion, caregiver, daughter, sister, friend, enforcer and accomplished woman. Bak thanked those in attendance for “being strong in this time of tragedy.”
He also shared what remained of Parker’s treasured journal. The last entry was a copy of the poem, “I’m Free” (author unknown).
The Rev. Ronnie Hanna concluded the service, reminding the public to pray for all police officers. “Jamie and other officers are involved in making peace.
“They’re called peace officers,” he said. “Not only are you God’s servants, you’re public servants.”
Kaitlyn Heichel wrote on Nov 3, 2009 2:01 PM:
Sarah Bond wrote on Jul 13, 2009 5:31 PM: