The William H. Parker Los Angeles Police Foundation was created on January 25, 1967 by a sub-committee of the Los Angeles City Council, chaired by Councilman John Ferraro. That sub-committee recommended that the police headquarters building and its grounds be officially named “Parker Center,” in honor of the late Chief William H. Parker (who died in office on July 16, 1966). Chief Parker joined the LAPD on August 8, 1927 and was appointed Chief of Police on August 9, 1950. At the time of his death from a heart attack, he had accumulated 39 years of outstanding service with the Department, 16 of which were as Chief (the longest reigning Chief in LAPD’s history).
The Foundation’s original funding came from simple one dollar donation from the loyal citizens that also believed that the good Chief’s name and legacy should live on through a foundation in his honor. From this modest beginning, the Foundation has built and maintained a financial base and now issues numerous grants for specialized training course and equipment to personnel of the Los Angeles Police Department.
The William H. Parker Los Angeles Police Foundation is dedicated to the professional advancement of the Los Angeles Police Department by providing enhanced opportunities for training, education and equipment to the proud men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department.
The Parker Foundation board is comprised of outstanding leaders from the Los Angeles business community and dedicated officials of the LAPD.
