The City of Lenoir City Council honored Senior Detective Jason Parker earlier this month. Detective Parker recently retired from the Lenoir Police Department.

Mayor Joe Gibbons read and presented a retirement resolution to Parker during the June 3, 2025, City Council meeting. The full resolution is below.

Parker started working for the City of Lenoir Police Department in 2005. He was promoted to Master Patrol and School Resource Officer in 2008. In 2013, he transferred to Investigations where he moved up in the ranks to his current position as Senior Detective.

During the Council meeting, Police Chief Brent Phelps shared a story sent to him from former Hibriten High School principal David Caldwell. Chief Phelps said the story showed Parker’s dedication to the department and the community.

“I had been at Hibriten for a few months when the Sandy Hook school shooting tragically occurred,” Caldwell wrote to Chief Phelps. “The whole country was shaken, we were in shock. I called Jason that Sunday night and asked him if he could get to Hibriten early the next morning. I knew our parents and our kids would be nervous about coming to school. That Monday morning, there was a driving rain storm, a torrential downpour, but at 6:30 am Jason was standing at the top of the hill in front of the main office. He was standing next to his patrol car wearing a rain slicker, getting soaked. He stayed out there until about 8:30 am. When he came in, he was soaking wet. He said he’d never had that many parents and students thank him. I’ve told that story a thousand times, because it speaks volumes about Jason, Lenoir PD, and all of the SROs I’ve had the pleasure and honor to work with.”

Chief Phelps said the story is great example of Lenoir officers doing what’s needed, because it’s the right thing to do.

“It speaks highly of Jason and his commitment to the department,” Chief Phelps said. “We hate to lose his experience, but we’re excited for him. Jason, congratulations, and thank you.”

Parker thanked City Council for letting him serve Lenoir.

“I’ve spent many years here and met a lot of people. I’ve developed a lot of bonds and created a lot of memories,” Parker said. “I only hope that what I did for the City was as positive as I could have made it. I hope that I served the community well. That’s all you can hope for as an officer: to leave the job on a positive note. I’ve learned a lot from the job and the people in the community, and I’ve enjoyed it. I want to thank you all for embracing me as much as I’ve embraced you.”

Click the following link to watch the ceremony on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/live/Smhr_-mUGPs?si=dVOT3Od1AbC0jb89&t=146.

Pictured from left, front row: Major Andy Wilson, Diana Parker, Jason Parker and daughter Averie, Chief Brent Phelps, Captain Mark Barlowe, and Mayor Joe Gibbons. Back row: Councilmember Kimmie Rogers, Councilmember Crissy Thomas, Councilmember Todd Perdue, City Manager Scott Hildebran, Mayor Pro Tem David Stevens, Councilmember Ike Perkins, and Councilmember Jonathan Beal.

Resolution In Recognition of Dedicated Service

WHEREAS, on the 14th of February, in the year 2005, Jason Mark Parker was appointed Patrol Officer II for the City of Lenoir Police Department by Chief Joey Reynolds and has admirably and with great distinction, served the citizens of Lenoir during the tenures of three Police Chiefs;

THAT, prior to being hired by the City of Lenoir, Jason served as a Deputy with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, a Caseworker for Caldwell County Health and Human Services, and served his country as an Operation Specialist with the United States Navy where he received the following medals and decorations: National Defense, Joint Meritorious Unit Medal, Silver Wreath Award and Southwest Asia Service Medal;

THAT, due to his diligent performance and exemplary leadership skills, Jason was promoted to Master Patrol and School Resource Officer in 2008 and transferred to Investigations in 2013 where he moved up in the ranks to his current position as Senior Detective;

THAT, Jason has been invaluable as a Mentor to new officers and served in a number of capacities to include Financial Crimes, Crime Scene and Homicide Investigations, Special Response Team, Crisis Intervention and Negotiations Team, Evidence Custodian, Gang Investigators Association, Crime Stoppers Program, D.A.R.E. Instructor, and Bike Patrol;

THAT, while working for Lenoir, Jason received the Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from the NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission, completed Police Law Institute, and served on a number of Committees and Task Forces to include NC Anti-Counterfeiting, Money Laundering, and Juvenile Crime Prevention Council;

THAT, Detective Parker has played an active, vital role in the community and shown his willingness to go above and beyond what is expected for the department, city, and community.  He has received a number of accolades throughout his career to include American Legion Officer of the Year, Golden Ticket Customer Service Award, Certificate of Merit, Hostage Negotiator, 20-year Safe Driver Award, and Caldwell County Rotary Officer of the Year;

THAT, society and law enforcement has undergone many changes and challenges over the last 26 years, and Jason has stayed abreast through those changing trends to remain an effective leader, role model and mentor to all whom he meets;

THAT, Jason has humbly served the citizens of the City of Lenoir and Caldwell County and will be retiring on June 1, 2025 with over 26 years of creditable service in the North Carolina Local Government Retirement System.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by authority of the Mayor and City Manager, and on behalf of the City Council, that Senior Detective Jason Mark Parker been an exemplary employee and is himself the epitome of the professional Law Enforcement Officer.  His contributions to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Lenoir and officers of the Lenoir Police Department will be held in high esteem and in remembrance by this governing body, as well as all persons impacted by his accomplishments, generosity, and compassion for those in need;

THIS, the  3rd day of June 2025.

Joseph L. Gibbons, Mayor