Sheriff's Captain Honored by Weho City Council for Social Media Outreach

Captain Michael Parker of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department was honored by the West Hollywood City Council on Monday with a special commendation plaque for his work in improving the department's social media outlets. 

Parker was also honored at the White House by President Obama on Sept. 24 in ceremony highlighting his work as a "Champion of Change for Community Preparedness and Resilience."

Parker worked at the West Hollywood station from 1993 to 1997, according to Mayor Abbe Land. 

"He has helped improve pulbic safety through online partnering and improved web resources to help in normal everyday and also in emergencies," Land said. "He has also written over 100 articles on communication and community policing."

Parker said he was touched that the Weho community leaders remembered him. 

"I miss working West Hollywood, I did the day I left," Parker said. "One of the things I got, I learned frankly, I learned more about kindness. Because in my 29 years in the sheriff’s department, the kindest people I eve worked with and for were in West Hollywood."

Parker also talked about the work he has done to improve the department's communications. He said the LASD can reach out directly to 80,000 people each day through Nixle, Twitter and Facebook, and the the LASD website gets 2 million a month. The LASD has also created specific websites and Facebook pages for each station. 

Parker said one of the key things the improved communication does is reduce fear. 

"When you have the information, you are less fearful," Parker said.