Laura Parker worked for the Cleveland Division of Police for almost 30 years, starting in 1986 and retiring in 2015. Tragically, she passed away on Tuesday in a house fire on West 148th Street. The news of her death has left everyone devastated.
CLEVELAND — The woman who died in a house fire on West 148th Street early Tuesday has been identified as a retired Cleveland police officer.
According to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office, the overnight fire claimed the life of 67-year-old Laura Parker.
Cleveland Director of Public Safety Wayne Drummond provided the below statement to 3News about the death of Parker:
The Cleveland Division of Police expressed their deep sorrow over Laura Parker’s passing. They highlighted her dedicated service to the city and its residents during her long career. Having served in different capacities within the police force, including the 1st and 3rd Districts and the Sex Crimes Unit, Parker received several accolades for her outstanding work over the years. The police department extended their condolences to her family during this challenging period.
The Cleveland Division of Fire provided insight into the incident on Tuesday, revealing that despite the heroic rescue efforts made by a resident and a neighbor, Laura Parker tragically lost her life in the fire.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but fire officials said arson is not suspected. Damages are estimated at $200,000.
No firefighters were hurt.
According to Cleveland Fire Lt. Mike Norman, the department’s public information officer, Parker’s son and his girlfriend live in the house. The son wasn’t home at the time, but the girlfriend was and smelled smoke.
“She came upstairs, the smoke was too heavy for her to go into the kitchen so she had gone around into the fire room and brought the victim out with one of their neighbors. But, the fire was too intense at that time. She wasn’t able to do any more,” said Norman.
Norman said once they got to the scene, fire crews helped pull Parker out. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
“They certainly did the right thing, trying to get her out of the fire room, they tried to get her to safety,” said Norman.
Norman also tells 3News that an adult cat named Bear was missing, but was later found safe in the ceiling tiles in the basement.
“It wasn’t an intentionally set fire. It was an accidental fire,” Norman added. “They’re not sure if it was electrical. It could’ve been careless smoking.”
