TEXARKANA, Texas - Texarkana, Texas, Police Officer Karey Parker has been recognized for his contributions to the community by the Third Watch Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club.
Parker was presented with the Rowlett, Texas, club's Eye on First Responders Award, which is sponsored by T-Mobile.
Parker has been a police officer for almost 18 years. He served in the New Orleans Police Department before moving to Texarkana. He is assigned as a Neighborhood Area Coordinator and works closely with people across all walks of life in Texarkana, according to TTPD.
"Whether he's investigating a neighborhood complaint or doing a school presentation, his professionalism is always on display," said Greg "Mongo" Campbell, vice president of Third Watch Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club.
Parker gained the attention of the club through his efforts to help children.
He has always wanted to help children know that police officers are their friends and someone they can turn to when they need help.
A few days before Christmas, Parker loaded up his patrol unit with toys, games, stuffed animals, candy, socks and toboggans. Some of the gifts were donated by Pink Behind the Thin Blue Line, but some were purchased with money from Parker's own pocket. He drove around neighborhoods looking for children playing outside. When he found some, he pulled over and gave them each a gift.
"The hugs and smiles on the children's faces were evidence that he had made a positive impact on their lives that day that they would likely carry with them for the rest of their lives. It's doubtful that any of them will ever forget the police officer that walked up to them and gave them a gift especially for them. Like he's done so many times before, Karey made a difference," Campbell said.
Parker received gift cards from the group along with a glass decanter with his name on it and a custom-made knife.
Parker said after the presentation that he did not give the children gifts for the accolades but to help them build relationships with law enforcement.
"They never used to wave at police officers and now a lot of them do when they see us," Parker said.
Parker and his wife, Yolanda, have been married 25 years, and they have two adult sons.