Miami Gardens, Fla. – Miami-Dade County Commissioner Barbara Jordan on July 20 hosted a dedication and renaming ceremony for the Director Robert “Bobby” L. Parker, Sr. Professional Compliance Bureau Building in Miami Gardens.

Jordan sponsored the resolution renaming the building at 18805 NW 27th Ave., formerly known as the MiamiDade Police Department Professional Compliance Bureau Building.

During the ceremony, Jordan recalled her experiences with Parker.

“I grew to respect him, not just as a Black chief but as a chief’s chief … a person who had dignity, integrity and did not mind speaking his mind,” she said.

“It feels absolutely amazing just to know his legacy will live on,” said Lt. Veronica Parker, Robert Parker’s widow.

Director Parker joined the Miami-Dade Police Department in 1976 and rose through the ranks to become the department’s first African American director in 2004.

He served in the MDPD for more than three decades and retired in 2009.

After his retirement Parker’s commitment to public service continued through his volunteer work, professional affiliations, and participation in initiatives, councils and boards that focused on law enforcement and public safety. He died on July 22, 2015.