Officer James Wendell Parham


A tribute to Officer Parham, who died in the 9/11 attacks



James Wendell Parham - Police Officer, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Died at age 32 on September 11th, 2001

Officer Parham is one of the many unsung heros of 9/11. A former Marine and current Port Authority officer, he wasn't even assigned to active duty. He had just been recently promoted to an instructor at the Police Academy. In such a tremendous emergency, the Port Authority must have needed to call in every asset it had, and Officer Parham answered the call of duty. Officer Parham was in Tower One when it collapsed. His body was found with the bodies of five other officers and an obese woman who was strapped into a rescue chair. It is likely that they had already been ordered to evacuate, as the second tower collapsed first. Their courageous efforts cost them their lives, as they would not abandon someone in need of their aid.

How many countless stories of heroism were buried under the rubble that day? How many truly good men gave their lives in the service of others? May we never forget the Officer Parhams of the 9/11 tragedy. The pure evil and horror of such a needless loss of life only serves as a contrast to more clearly illumine their strength and devotion. We absolutely must remember the horror of that awful day, but I pray we also never forget the heights of character that it brought out in the fire, police and emergency crews. Now I have a name and a face to attach to that bravery, and I hope when you remember them, you'll think of Officer Parham as well.

Officer Parham, I am honored to have been given your name. You are truly a hero and a man of great courage. I pray that you knew the saving grace of Christ, and that I will be able to actually meet you in Heaven. May God watch over your wife and child that you left behind and care for them in His grace. And may you have some small piece of the honor you have earned by being remembered today. Thank you for your service, thank you for paying the ultimate price in an attempt to save others, and thank you for the privilege of researching and writing about you.

Posted: Sun - September 10, 2006 at 09:42 PM | | | | | | |

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