A. Fletcher "Dewey" Parker

SPECIALIST FIRST CLASS AUGUSTUS FLETCHER "DEWEY" PARKER was born in 1898. He left his job on the Audubon NJ Police force which he had served for 15 years, to enlist in the United States Navy in early 1940. He was a sergeant in the borough police department of which his brother, John, was chief. While on the Audubon police force he was involved in several noted cases. 

Last a resident of 301 Cedarcroft Avenue in Audubon, Dewey Parker suffered a fatal stroke while serving at the naval installation at Cape May NJ on February 27, 1942. He was buried at Locustwood Cemetery in what was then Delaware Township (present-day Cherry Hill) NJ. He lies next to his wife Mary Parker, who passed in 1947.

From the pages of
The Evening Courier
Camden, N.J. February 27, 1942

DEWEY PARKER’ DIES AT SHORE NAVY BASE
Veteran of Three Wars Had Served Many Years
As Audubon Policeman

 “Dewey’ Parker, widely known Audubon Policeman and veteran of three wars, died early today of a stroke while on duty with the navy Shore patrol at the Cape May base.

Parker, whose rarely used full name was Augustus Fletcher Parker, left the Audubon Police force which he had served for 15 years, to enlist nearly two years ago. He was a sergeant in the borough police department of which his brother, John, is chief.

A specialist seaman, first class, “Dewey” was home on leave over the weekend, and visited his old haunts before returning to duty yesterday. He was in good spirits and seemed in good health. He spent some time at the police station, at the Defender Fire Company where he formerly was chief, and in the emergency hospital adjoining the police headquarters. Formerly a school, Sergeant parker had taken the lead in having it converted into a hospital, fully equipped, for use in any emergency. Fifteen years ago he and Borough Clerk Charles Deitz had bought Audubon’s first ambulance on their own personal notes.

Dies At Cape May

Returning to duty yesterday, Parker was ascending the steps of the naval base at Washington and Franklin streets, Cape May, at 1:00 A.M. today when he collapsed and died instantly of a cerebral hemorrhage. The body was sent to the Philadelphia Naval Hospital.

Parker was 47. He was 45 when he enlisted, insisting he couldn’t stay on the sidelines while his country was involved in its greatest war. He had first joined the colors back in 1916, at the age of 18. He was a member of Pershing’s punitive expedition, which chased Pancho Villa in Mexico

When the United States went to war against Germany, he entered the 1098th Field Artillery, 28th Division, went overseas, and took part in eight battles, including Chateau Thierry and Ypres.

In Audubon Since 1921

He moved to Audubon in 1921 and civilian life was only slightly less exciting after he joined the fire and police departments. In 1930 he gained fame by capturing an armed desperado and was promoted to sergeant. Four years later he was made a lieutenant in the Philadelphia Old Guard because of his many exploits, the most recent at the time being the three transfusions he gave in one week in a futile attempt to save the life of his chief, then Mayor George P. Dowling. He served as the vice president of the South Jersey Suburban Police Association, and was active in the American Legion.

He is survived by his widow, Mary, and daughter, Mary Jane, 15, who live at 136 West Pine Street; two sisters, Mrs. Elsie Katz of 300 Cedarcroft Avenue, Audubon, and Mrs. Mae Gray, of Atlantic City, and two brothers, Chief John, and William, who operates fishing boats at Dividing Creek.

October 21, 1931

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Veteran's Compensation Application

Sgt. Dewey Parker and Special Officer Joseph Siddone are animal lovers...But only up to a certain point...They found a rabbit lying dazed near the Audubon High School this week and solicitously put it in the rear seat...When Brer Cottontail regained consciousness, he bit and scratched Siddone so badly that the cop later had to go to a doctor... That bunny must be laying for an innocent fox somewhere (he escaped from the car after overpowering the two officers)...

A near collision with the Audubon police patrol car last night resulted in arrest of Edgar Rambo, 35, of 1244 Everett street, Camden, on a drunken driving charge.

Sergeant Dewey Parker, Patrolmen Henry Mehrer and Thor Anderson arrested Rambo after they swerved their car into a side street to avoid collision with Rambo's machine at. White Horse pike and Nicholson road. Dr. G. C. McKeown pronounced Rambo intoxicated. A $200 fine 
and revocation of license was imposed by Recorder Jay Daniels.

Camden Courier-Post
February 14, 1938

Camden Courier-Post
July 31, 1940

Audubon Police Sergeant Augustus F. "Dewey" Parker being treated for heat prostration while aiding victims and fire fighters at the Hollingshead factory fire, July 30, 1940 

AUDUBON'S TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO SERVED IN WWII