Video: Wounded Officer’s Father Speaks Out, Recently Sold The Dept. New Vests

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – On Wednesday, the father of Kevin Parker Jr. talked with local media about how his son is recovering and how the family is holding up.
Parker is recovering at North Mississippi Medical Center.

His father, Kevin Parker Sr., also has 20 years of experience in law enforcement.

Recently, supplied by his dad’s company, the Corinth Police Department received new bullet proof vests, which ultimately saved the 21-year-old’s life.
“Overwhelming and exhausting. It’s a call you just don’t want to get at 5:15 in the morning,” said Kevin Parker Sr.

That’s how Kevin Parker Sr. says he feels after getting the dreaded phone call that his 21-year-old son was shot in the line of duty.

Parker has spent 20 years in law enforcement himself.

“One of those things that you just deal with when you’re doing it but when your son’s doing it, it’s totally different,” said Parker.

Parker is the manager at Barney’s Police Supply Store in Tupelo.

The store recently sold the Corinth Police Department new and improved bullet proof vests.

“We sized them earlier this year. They received some money to purchase new vests and so our company supplied those for them and thankfully he had it on. I think it’s a departmental policy, they wear them at all times. Before that he was wearing one of my old vests,” said Parker.

Kevin Parker Jr. suffered two gun shots, one to the vest and one to the shoulder.

His dad says right now, his condition is stable.

“He’s sedated right now, just for the pain. He’s got quite a bit of trauma from where it hit his vest right above his left chest area. It’s red and kind of bloody, so it’s quite an impact from point blank range,” said Parker.

Parker credits the Safari Land vest for saving his son’s life.

He says it’s a blessing the department got the vests when they did.

“We can’t be more proud that we provided that service and that they’re utilizing it and it’s saving lives. Safari Land puts out a letter, I get it at work almost weekly now, that their ‘saves club’ and they’re numbered and so I was joking with him. I said we’ll get an email about you, where that vest saved another life of a police officer,” said Parker.
And for his son’s shooter, Parker has one message.

“I just hope he’ll turn himself in without anymore incidents and let the justice system take over and do what they do. No hard feelings toward him, it’s just an unfortunate event and we pray for his family and pray for our family and all those involved,” added Parker.
Kevin Parker Sr.  adds his son should be released from the hospital hopefully Thursday.
And he is already talking about returning to work.