By Samantha Angaiak Channel 2 News KTUU

5:41 p.m. AKST, December 27, 2012
ANCHORAGE, Alaska—

The Anchorage Police Department is saying goodbye this week to a familiar face throughout the community, holding a retirement party for APD spokesperson Lt. Dave Parker at police headquarters Thursday.

Over the years, Parker has participated in numerous interviews with local media, including Channel 2. He has effectively been the face of the department during many major cases, such as Israel Keyes’ kidnapping and killing of barista Samantha Koenig, former APD officer Anthony Rollins’ sexual assaults against arrested women and Army Spc. Kip Lynch’s shootings of his wife and infant daughter.

APD Chief Mark Mew gave Parker a Taser stun gun and a plaque featuring a mounted teddy bear with a target, recalling an incident in 2010 when Parker Tased a bear on his porch. The department also presented Parker with an engraved service gun.

“It's been great working here at APD for almost 18 years,” Parker said. “(It’s) been great working here, and just love the people and -- just a terrific bunch of officers and non-commissioned personnel, just a great bunch of folks to work with.”

Parker's last day as the department’s head public information officer will be Monday, Dec. 31.

Contact Samantha Angaiak