EUTAWVILLE – The backyard neighborhood party the community of Eutawville threw on a steamy, hot day Saturday to celebrate longtime police chief Russell Parker’s years of service to the town and to raise funds for his recent medical retirement was a rousing success, garnering more than $2,600 to donate to Parker’s retirement fund.

When Parker joined the local police force 36 years ago, retirement benefits were not offered to town employees, meaning Parker suddenly faced both an abrupt loss of income and mushrooming medical costs, all without retirement income.

A total of 30 area businesses, the Eutawville Lions Club, local fishermen and countless individuals contributed to this weekend’s charitable event, donating door prizes, poker run prizes, bake sale goods, gift certificates and items for auction, raffle prizes and fare for the crowd-pleasing fish dinner.

Others donated much time organizing, planning, advertising, setting up, serving and cleaning up.

“And, we couldn’t have done it, of course, without all those who showed up to attend, those who purchased the tickets for the raffle, 50/50 drawing and poker run, those who bid on the auction items, those who bought the fish dinner and, of course, those who simply threw donations of cash or checks into the pot for the chief,” said Jeff Barnes, proprietor of Eutawville’s Alpine Restaurant, where the shindig was held in the eatery’s new outdoor picnic area. “It took the contributions of many to make today’s rewards a reality.”

One of Barnes’ personal contributions on Saturday was to climb good-naturedly into the dunking booth, and instead of backing out of the booth after repeated soakings, egging on would-be marksmen and women to draw a crowd and incite them to even more furious attempts to dunk him.

“Hey, it’s a hot day,” Barnes said, “and each ball thrown adds just that much more to the good cause we’ve been working so hard for. It’s worth it.”

But the success of the day wasn’t just measured by the number of dollars raised to help pay the former chief’s medical expenses, he said.

“The outpouring of gratitude and good wishes for the chief was overwhelming,” Barnes added, “and the value of a gift like that is immeasurable.”

Parker agreed. “I can’t tell you what it meant to me to be surrounded by family, friends, former co-workers and the citizens of this town, laughing and reminiscing,” the retired police chief said. “I’ve said before -- this is the best place on earth to live, and the people here are the reason why.”

“I’ve been knowing the chief my whole life,” said Dina, an Alpine employee helping serve during Saturday’s party. “I like my job every day, but I’m especially happy to be here today. Anything I can do for the chief, I’m happy to do it.”

Her sentiments were echoed by many.

“Chief Parker helped make this town what it is today,” said Kathy Batten, branch supervisor for Eutawville’s First National Bank, one of the businesses who showcased prizes and helped sell raffle tickets before the event. “He’d come by here often in the mornings, checking up on us. We so looked forward to seeing him. Not only did he keep us secure, he made everyone feel wonderful. We miss him terribly.”

“A lot of folks compare the chief to Andy Griffith’s legendary character, Andy Taylor – with good reason,” Barnes said. “He really has a gift for knowing how to uphold and cherish the law. But at the same time, he has a sense of humor, and he made people feel like valued and respected citizens. He made people want to do good.”

Nadine Hamilton, co-owner of Eutawville’s J&N Enterprises, said she met Parker years ago when she had just started a new job and was coming home from work one night.

“It was dark; I was having trouble seeing. I was painstakingly making my way down new streets when suddenly I saw his blue light come on behind me. When I stopped, he asked me if I knew why he had pulled me over. I was too upset to answer and, seeing that, he told me not to worry, he was just letting me know I had a headlight out. ‘Thank goodness!’ I blurted out. ‘I thought I was going blind!’ I looked at the twinkle in his eye, and, suddenly, I saw the funny side of it all. We’ve been friends ever since.”

Parker will celebrate his 66th birthday this Friday, July 18. Well-wishers or those who still have donations, thanks or memories to share with him can reach him at home at 803-492-7530.

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