Holly MatkinMcAlester, OK – McAlester Police Department (MPD) Captain Richard Parker died unexpectedly on March 16.
The 52-year-old off-duty police captain died at his McAlester home, according to his obituary.
His exact cause of death was not immediately released.
The MPD announced Capt. Parker’s unexpected passing in a press release later that day.
“It is with great sadness that the McAlester Police Department announces the sudden loss of Captain Richard Parker,” the department wrote. “Captain Parker served the citizens of McAlester for over 26 years. He truly understood his role to protect and serve our community and cared deeply for the citizens of McAlester and his fellow law enforcement officers.”
“Captain Parker will be greatly missed by those who have had the pleasure of knowing him,” the MPD said. “We ask that you keep Captain Parker’s family, friends, and community in your thoughts as they grieve this great loss.”
The Wetumka native earned a degree in criminal justice from East Central University in Ada prior to beginning his law enforcement career with the Pittsburgh County Sheriff’s Office, according to his obituary.
He joined the MPD in July of 1996.
In addition to his regular duties, Capt. Parker was also a certified drug recognition expert, an instructor at the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy, and had worked with the MPD SWAT as a firearms instructor.
“Captain Parker loved his family and friends dearly and will be terribly missed,” his obituary read.
Capt. Parker leaves behind his children, Hayden and Haylee.
He is also survived by his father, cousins, and many friends.
Capt. Parker will be laid to rest on March 22.
OKLAHOMA – Police Captain, 52, FOUND DEAD in his Home…
Son found him unresponsive in bed…
McAlester Police Chief Kevin Hearod said an officer went to Capt. Richard Parker’s home in the Tannehill area when he did not report for his 6:50a.m. shift Thursday…
– mcalesternews pic.twitter.com/PqsZj5IzrB
— Dr. James E. Olsson (@DrJamesOlsson) March 18, 2023
With great sadness McAlester PD announces the loss of Capt Richard Parker. He served the citizens of McAlester for 26 years. He understood his role to protect and serve our community. Keep Cpt family & friends in your thoughts as they grieve.
EWO 3/16/23
Rest Easy Capt 😭 pic.twitter.com/wQFupOlm1B— 𝓚𝓲𝓷𝔃𝓮𝓮 | ᴋɪɴᴢᴇᴇᴏʟᴏɢʏ (@Kinzee_Farmer) March 19, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of McAlester Police Department Captain Richard Parker, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
