Parker, William

William H. Parker (June 21, 1905–July 16, 1966) rose through the ranks to become chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). A member of the LAPD for 39 years (1927–66), he is the longest serving chief in the department's history (1950–66). Following his death, the Police Administration Building (which was replaced in 2009) was renamed in his honor.

Parker was born in Deadwood, South Dakota. His parents were William and Mary Katherine Moore Parker. His family moved from Lead, South Dakota, to Los Angeles in 1922. Parker, who was an ...