Sheriff Parker joined the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office in 1969 as a Deputy Sheriff/Jailer. In 1973, he was named Undersheriff and County Investigator. He was sworn in as Sheriff in January, 1983. Succeeding his father, Arthur E. Parker, who had served as Sheriff since 1964. Parker has received extensive police training in many areas. The highlights of his police education include attendance at the Institute for Delinquency and Crime at St. Lawrence University, and Cornell University’s Radiological Defense Officer’s School. Sheriff Parker served in the United States Navy for three years. He was an Electrician’s Mate 2nd class on the aircraft carrier USS Randolph. Hamilton County has a population of 5,034 and an area of 1,745 square miles.