Alton C. Parker
Alton C. Parker CM OMC (July 3, 1907 – February 28, 1989) was a Canadian police officer who became the first black Canadian detective. A native of Windsor, Ontario, he entered the Windsor Police Service in September 1942 as a constable. After a 28-year career and various volunteer positions, he received several honours, including the Order of Canada.
Early life[edit]
Alton C. Parker was born in Windsor, Ontario, on July 3, 1907, where he remained for the rest of his life.[1] A mechanic by trade, he worked as a foreman at a used car dealership.[2] He was also president of the Central Citizens Association, a group organized to (among other things) employ black people in Windsor's public services. He was the most qualified candidate to enter the police force.[3]
Career[edit]
On September 1, 1942, Parker was hired by the Windsor Police Service as a constable. His appointment met some resistance before his professional demeanor swayed those fellow officers.[3] On July 28, 1951, he was promoted by Chief Constable Farrow to become Canada's first black detective.[3][4] He was a founding member of Apartment Living for Physically Handicapped Adults (ALPHA). In the 1960s, he became a director of Goodwill Industries and hosted an annual children's event at Broadhead Park, a site renamed in his honor in 1976.[5]
Later life and death[edit]
Parker retired on December 30, 1970.[5] In 1976, he was appointed to the Order of Canada.[6] He also received the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship and the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal.[5]
Parker died on February 28, 1989, aged 81; his funeral service attracted such a large crowd that loudspeakers and radio carried the speeches to many listeners.[5]
References[edit]
- ^ Wilhelm, Trevor. "Windsor's First Black Police Officer Honoured". Windsor Star. Archived from the original on April 23, 2019. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
- ^ "Alton C. Parker". Windsor Public Library. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
- ^ a b c "Black History Month: Det. Alton C. Parker" (PDF). Police Windsor. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
- ^ "Community to Remember Windsor's First Black Police Officer". Windsor City News. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
- ^ a b c d "Law Enforcement". African Canadian Community. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
- ^ Order of Canada: Alton C. Parker, C.M., LL.D., Archives of the Governor General of Canada.