CCFD Operations Chief Parker takes his last ride home
Long-time employee remembered for his leadership & integrity
A high-ranking member of the Cape Coral Fire Department called it a career after three decades of service, taking his final ride home to friends and family Friday.
James “Jim” Parker, division chief of Operations for CCFD, was welcomed home with open arms after the sun set on a meaningful and impactful career serving the Southwest Florida community.
The Cape Coral High School graduate and Army veteran joined CCFD in 1998 after three years with the Naples Fire Department, and served as Division Chief of Operations since April of 2020.
“It feels really good,” Parker said of his final ride home on the truck he drove as a lieutenant, with his family outside waiting. “It goes by fast. Before you know it, it’s here. When you see everybody, it means a lot.
“It’s emotional. We did a little gathering at work. People from the city were there, people you interact with every day. It’s great because you strive to finish and retire, and at the same time, you’re saying goodbye. It’s emotional, but satisfying.”
Parker, 55, also served in the positions of firefighter, engineer/driver, lieutenant, and battalion chief. He is also a certified paramedic. Parker earned his bachelor’s degree in Public Safety Administration from Edison State College. As Operations chief, Parker supervised nine Battalion chiefs that operate over three shifts and 13 fire stations and was responsible for the response, safety, efficiency, and overall operations of the department.
CCFD Fire Chief Mike Russell shared his thoughts on Parker’s career and dedication to the department.
“After decades of unwavering dedication, courage, and leadership, Jim Parker is retiring,” he said. “From his distinguished service in the United States Army to his impactful role as the Division Chief of Operations with the Cape Coral Fire Department, Chief Parker has been a steadfast protector of our community. His leadership has inspired countless others to serve with honor, integrity, and commitment. Chief Parker’s legacy is built on commitment, accountability, professionalism, and excellence — qualities that embody the true spirit of the ‘Cape’ way. We are deeply grateful for his fearless leadership and tireless dedication to our firefighters and the community’s safety. Though he will be greatly missed, his legacy will continue to live on in the leaders he has shaped and the enduring impact he leaves on our department.”
After three years with Naples FD, Parker, a Cape Coral resident, said he really wanted to work where he lived. So, he applied to CCFD and started from scratch as a firefighter and worked his way up the ranks.
“I’m proud of the service to the community,” Parker said. “We made a difference, I believe, over the years. We do a lot of good things. What the fire department does for Cape Coral is really great.”
Parker said his favorite part of the job, other than making a positive impact in the community, is the camaraderie with his fellow firefighters.
“It’s a second family,” he said. “When you’re on shift, you’re gone a third of your life with these people. You plan a meal together, you live in a station with them. That was a really enjoyable part — spending time with those people, and that’s who came out here today. It means a lot.”
Another aspect of the job that Parker said meant a lot to him, is when people would visit the station after a recent incident where the department “made a save” or rescued individuals, or helped salvage a home.
“They want to say thank you,” he said. “That means a lot, when the public comes back and says, ‘You made a difference to our family.'”
Coming out of the Army, Parker said getting into firefighting tied into his military service when it came to finding camaraderie and a brotherhood.
His neighbor was going to fire school, and Parker spoke with him, looked into it, completed the academy and was hired.
“It was like, ‘This is where I’m supposed to be,'” Parker said. “I was always interested in it. But once I started doing it, I knew it was what I was supposed to do.”
Parked said the most unique aspect of being a firefighter in Cape Coral is the vast amount of waterways the city boasts, as well as the potential for major hurricanes.
“We deal with that a lot,” he said. “We have Marine Units, and a marine team.
“We prepare for hurricanes all year long. And when a hurricane hits, we activate, and the men and women of the fire department go to work. They are out there helping people all day long.”
Among the family waiting for Parker on his final ride was his mother, Katie Parker. She said she couldn’t put into words how proud she is of her son, and that he’s always been a leader.
“He really cared about the fire department,” she said. “He always made sure the firefighters were following protocol. You’ve got to have the guy’s back that’s in front of you walking into a fire.”
Katie described her son’s character as “impeccable.”
“He does the right thing,” she said.
Parker’s cousin, Frank Cabra, came down from New York City to be there for his retirement. Cabra, a former New York City and Suffolk County police officer, detective, and DEA agent, knows a thing or two about working in public service.
“I’m so proud of him and happy for him,” Cabra said. “He’s been doing this more years of his life than he hasn’t. It’s well deserved. He has nothing left to prove.”
Cabra reiterated what all have to say about Parker when asked about his character.
“He’s just a great guy. Solid guy. A do-the-right-thing kind of guy,” he said. “He’s always there for everybody. And he was great at what he did.”
Parker said he’s looking forward to spending more time with his family and hunting in his retirement.