Alton C. Parker

Alton C. Parker CM OMC (July 3, 1907 – February 28, 1989) was a Canadian police detective. He was the first black Canadian promoted to the position in the country's history. A native of Windsor, Parker entered the city's law enforcement service in September 1942, hired as a constable. He led a distinguished 28-year career, marked by his appointment to detective in 1951 and several honors in his lifetime, including the Order of Canada. During his tenure, he advocated for better representation of black Canadians in law enforcement.

Early life

Alton C. Parker was born in Windsor, Ontario, on July 3, 1907, where he would remain for the rest of his life.[1] Before his service with the Windsor Police Service, Parker, a mechanic by trade, worked as a foreman at a used car dealership.[2] He played an active role in the black community: the president of the Central Citizens Association, a group organized to address, among other things, the employment of black people in Windsor's public services, Parker was considered the most qualified candidate to enter the police force.[3]

Career

At 34 years old, Parker was hired by the Windsor Police, working as a constable. Despite his appointment meeting with some resistance, Parker's professional demeanor swayed the opinion of fellow officers.[3] Nine years later, on July 28, 1951, he was promoted by Chief Constable Farrow to detective—the first black Canadian to receive such an appointment.[3][4] His popularity as a policeman was arguably superseded by his activism in the Windsor community: he was a founding member of the Apartment Living for Physically Handicapped Adults (ALPHA); in the 1960s, Parker became a board of directors member of Goodwill Industries, and hosted an annual event for youths at Broadhead Park, a cite renamed in his honor in 1976.[5]

Later life and death

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]

He died on February 28, 1989 at age 81; his funeral service attracted large crowds—so much so that the ceremony was broadcast to nearby churches to accommodate the amassed mourners.[5]

References

  1. ↑ Wilhelm, Trevor. "Windsor's First Black Police Officer Honoured". Windsor Star. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  2. ↑ "Alton C. Parker". Windsor Public Library. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  3. 1 2 3 "Black History Month: Det. Alton C. Parker" (PDF). Police Windsor. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  4. ↑ "Community to Remember Windsor's First Black Police Officer". Windsor City News. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Law Enforcement". African Canadian Community. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  6. ↑ Order of Canada: Alton C. Parker, C.M., LL.D., Archives of the Governor General of Canada.
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