Press Releases

Miami, FL – Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) issued the following statement on the tragic death of former Miami-Dade County Police Director Robert Parker:

"I am deeply saddened by the death of former Miami-Dade County Police Director Robert Parker. I extend my sincerest sympathies to his family at this difficult time. Director Parker was a friend and a true humanitarian.

"Throughout his career in law enforcement with the Miami-Dade County Police Department, where he became the department's first African-American director, Director Parker was committed to making South Florida a safer place to work, live and visit. He was a well-respected and celebrated leader who fought to create opportunities for men and women of color.

"As a longtime mentor and leader of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, Director Parker worked closely with me to save at-risk minority boys and young men. I dubbed him the ‘Face of the Role Models.' His impact is evident by the countless success stories of Role Model boys, who under his mentorship have gone on to college and thriving careers. The 5000 Role Models of Excellent Project and South Florida owe Director Parker a huge debt of gratitude.

"Our community has lost an exemplary professional, mentor, loving father, devoted husband, community servant and friend. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him and the many lives he touched," said Congresswoman Wilson.

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Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a third-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Congresswoman Wilson also founded the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.