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Guard: A True Story of Duty, Sacrifice, and Leadership in Kentucky's Maximum Security Penitentiary
In 1978, Philip Parker started his decades-long career as a prison guard at the Kentucky State Penitentiary, a place known as "The Castle" for its medieval look. On his first day, a mass escape set the tone for the dangerous and intense journey ahead. Over the years, Parker faced numerous challenges, from federal court allegations to life-threatening situations, including a dramatic hostage crisis with a notorious inmate.
Parker's memoir takes readers through the emotions and realities of prison life. From handling daily violence and suicides to witnessing murders caused by racial tension and other conflicts, Parker describes the harsh environment of the prison. Guard includes detailed accounts of harrowing events, like the highway crime spree where two of his colleagues were shot.
The book also covers the evolution of the prison itself, from its early days with medieval punishments to modern-day improvements. Parker shares his experiences as a warden, dealing with staff corruption, inmate violence, and the heavy responsibility of carrying out court-ordered executions.
Guard is a vivid and honest account of a life spent managing the worst in human behavior while finding moments of compassion and redemption. It highlights the dedication and resilience required to maintain order in such a challenging environment, and offers a unique perspective on the sacrifices made by those who work in the prison system.
Parker's memoir takes readers through the emotions and realities of prison life. From handling daily violence and suicides to witnessing murders caused by racial tension and other conflicts, Parker describes the harsh environment of the prison. Guard includes detailed accounts of harrowing events, like the highway crime spree where two of his colleagues were shot.
The book also covers the evolution of the prison itself, from its early days with medieval punishments to modern-day improvements. Parker shares his experiences as a warden, dealing with staff corruption, inmate violence, and the heavy responsibility of carrying out court-ordered executions.
Guard is a vivid and honest account of a life spent managing the worst in human behavior while finding moments of compassion and redemption. It highlights the dedication and resilience required to maintain order in such a challenging environment, and offers a unique perspective on the sacrifices made by those who work in the prison system.
393 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 2, 2024
Stories from inside The Wall
I have anticipated this memoir since I heard of its production. My dad spent many years working his way up through the ranks of this institution. Following his retirement, my mother spent several years serving in the health facilities. I have listened to some of these same stories for my entire life-stories that pay tribute to the great men and women that defended The Castle of my hometown. I have always been fascinated with its history and the procedural changes made during the 80s and 90s. Parker does a great job telling the stories of the defenders of the Castle on the Cumberland.
I have anticipated this memoir since I heard of its production. My dad spent many years working his way up through the ranks of this institution. Following his retirement, my mother spent several years serving in the health facilities. I have listened to some of these same stories for my entire life-stories that pay tribute to the great men and women that defended The Castle of my hometown. I have always been fascinated with its history and the procedural changes made during the 80s and 90s. Parker does a great job telling the stories of the defenders of the Castle on the Cumberland.
July 8, 2025
Great account of the experiences working in maximum security facility. I know Phil, worked with him briefly during his stay in Ohio. I always thought he was one of those individuals who could make good decisions quickly with good results.
Working in higher security prisons is unlike anything else I've ever experienced. There is violence. It's unavoidable. Sometimes the methods needed to control it offend people who have never experienced violence. It may seem to be out of control, but it is very much in control. Anyone who is offended by the experiences listed here should be extremely thankful that they live a life so comfortable that they have never experienced violence to the levels seen occasionally in prison. It's people like Phil, and others who work every day in that environment make our communities safer.
Working in higher security prisons is unlike anything else I've ever experienced. There is violence. It's unavoidable. Sometimes the methods needed to control it offend people who have never experienced violence. It may seem to be out of control, but it is very much in control. Anyone who is offended by the experiences listed here should be extremely thankful that they live a life so comfortable that they have never experienced violence to the levels seen occasionally in prison. It's people like Phil, and others who work every day in that environment make our communities safer.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews