Corrections Officer Mark Lindsey Parker was 19 when he was caught in a courthouse ambush on January 10, 1984, in the Orange County Courthouse in Orlando, Florida. A suspect entered intent on shooting a police officer over a prior traffic ticket, opened fire in a courtroom and hallway, mortally wounding Deputy Harry Dalton and killing Deputy Arnold Wilkerson. The shooter also fired at the judge and engaged other deputies during his escape.

Parker, an unarmed corrections officer who had served with the Orange County Department of Corrections for one year, was struck by gunfire in the hallway while shielding citizens. He was left paralyzed from the chest down and required round-the-clock care for the remainder of his life. The attacker was later convicted of murder and ultimately executed in June 2000; Parker attended the execution and was made an honorary deputy.

Parker’s death is recorded as resulting from complications of the gunshot wounds he suffered that day, ending a long struggle with those injuries. His colleagues and the community remembered him for bravery and dedication to protecting others. Does anyone have memories of Parker or information about his life and service to share?