Services Set for Ex-Battalion Chief Michael L. Parker, 58

Retired Battalion Chief Michael L. Parker, described by colleagues as the “sweetheart” of the Fire Department, will be buried on Valentine’s Day.

The 58-year-old Fullerton resident died Saturday after a lengthy battle against cancer.

“He was just a dedicated professional and real compassionate person,” said Division Chief Larry B. Greene, who worked with Parker for 30 years. “He was a role model for the fire service. . . . He would go out of his way, making sure people whose homes were burned down were rendered assistance. He would go beyond just doing his job.”

During Parker’s three-decade career with the department, he received statewide recognition with an award from the League of California Cities for creating a training program that used videotapes and cable television. He also was named the city’s Firefighter of the Year and Manager of the Year, and the Orange County Fire Service Assn.’s Overachiever of the Year.

Parker is survived by his wife, Carolyn; sons Christopher, Sean and Tom; a brother; and five sisters. Funeral services will be at First Evangelical Free Church, 2801 N. Brea Blvd., Fullerton, at 9 a.m. Saturday. Burial will follow at Loma Vista Memorial Park in Fullerton. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at McAulay and Wallace Fullerton Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, Parker’s family is requesting that donations be sent in his name to the Hospice Foundation, 1343 W. Valencia Drive, Suite H, Fullerton CA, 92833-9981.