Jerry Parr facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jerry Parr
|
|
|---|---|
Parr in 2013
|
|
| Born | September 16, 1930 Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.
|
| Died | October 9, 2015 (aged 85) Washington, D.C., U.S.
|
| Education | Vanderbilt University Loyola University |
| Occupation | Secret Service agent |
| Known for | Saving President Reagan during the 1981 assassination attempt |
| Spouse(s) |
Carolyn Parr
(m. 1959) |
| Children | 3 |
Jerry S. Parr (September 16, 1930 – October 9, 2015) was a special agent for the United States Secret Service. He is best known for his brave actions on March 30, 1981. On that day, he protected President Ronald Reagan during an attack in Washington, D.C.. Parr quickly pushed President Reagan into his special car. He also made the important choice to take the president to George Washington University Hospital. This decision helped save the president's life.
Contents
Jerry Parr's Early Life
Jerry Studstill Parr was born in Montgomery, Alabama, on September 16, 1930. He grew up in the Miami area. He earned a degree in English and Philosophy from Vanderbilt University in 1962. Later, in 1987, he received another degree in pastoral counseling from Loyola University in Maryland. He also became an ordained minister.
Working for the Secret Service
Jerry Parr became interested in the Secret Service when he was a boy. He watched a movie called Code of the Secret Service where Ronald Reagan played a Secret Service agent. In 1962, at age 32, Parr joined the Secret Service. He was the oldest new agent in his group.
His first important job was protecting John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. After President Kennedy was tragically killed, Parr was assigned to protect the family of the person responsible.
Over 23 years, Parr traveled a lot for his job. He worked on security plans for presidents and vice presidents in 50 states and 37 countries. From 1969 to 1978, he helped protect many important leaders from other countries. These included Queen Elizabeth II of Britain and Pope John Paul II.
Later, from 1978 to 1979, he led the team protecting the Vice President. In 1979, Parr became the head of the team protecting the President at the White House. He was in charge of security for Presidents Carter and Reagan. Jerry Parr retired from the Secret Service in 1985. He wrote a book about his experiences called In the Secret Service: The True Story Of The Man who Saved President Reagan.
The Day He Saved the President
On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was leaving a hotel in Washington. Suddenly, a man named John Hinckley Jr. started shooting. He fired six bullets very quickly. Jerry Parr acted fast. He pushed President Reagan into the armored presidential car. Because of Parr's quick thinking, one bullet missed the president's head.
One bullet hit the side of the car, then bounced off and hit the president. It hit him in his side, near his lung. At first, no one knew President Reagan had been shot. Parr thought the president was okay and planned to go back to the White House.
But President Reagan was in a lot of pain. He coughed up blood, which worried Parr. Parr realized the president might be seriously hurt. He made a quick and brave decision. Instead of going to the White House, he told the driver to go straight to George Washington University Hospital. This hospital was nearby and ready for emergencies.
This quick decision by Jerry Parr was extremely important. Doctors at the hospital acted fast to treat the president. Many people believe that Parr's decision to go to the hospital immediately saved President Reagan's life.
After this event, Jerry Parr was called a hero. He received special awards from the U.S. Congress. Parade magazine named him one of the "Top Cops" in the country. Parr later wrote that this day was both the best and worst day of his life. He believed that his life had led him to that moment to save the president. After retiring, he became a pastor.
Helping the Community
Jerry Parr was very involved in his church in Washington, D.C. He was a co-pastor and helped lead spiritual retreats. He also served on the board of Joseph's House, an organization that helps men with AIDS. He also helped start the Servant Leadership School. In 1992, he drove a school bus over 3,000 miles. He delivered supplies to an orphanage in San Salvador.
His Final Years
Jerry Parr passed away on October 9, 2015, at the age of 85. He died from heart problems in Washington, D.C. He was survived by his wife, Carolyn, his three daughters, and four granddaughters.
Awards and Special Mentions
Jerry Parr received many honors for his service and bravery:
- Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Executive from the U.S. Secret Service in 1984.
- U.S. Congress commendations for his actions on March 30, 1981.
- Director's Award of Valor from the U.S. Secret Service.
- Exceptional Service Award from the U.S. Treasury Department.
- Honor League from the New York Police Department.
- Commendation from the Maryland State Senate.
- Named one of four "Top Cops" by Parade magazine in 1981.
Working with Movies and TV
Jerry Parr also worked as an advisor for movies and documentaries. He helped with films like In the Line of Fire (1993) and Contact (1997). He also appeared as a commentator on TV shows like C-SPAN, Larry King Live, and Meet the Press. He was also featured on channels like Discovery Channel and History Channel.
Portrayals in Media
Jerry Parr's story was told in the 2016 TV movie Killing Reagan. In the film, he was played by actor Joe Chrest.
